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Friday, June 18, 2010
Charlie's gonna write a blog
I am going to write a blog. In fact if you are reading this then you are reading my first one. Lucky you! However, I have some concerns. My understanding is that blogs need to be written regularly and should be at least mildly interesting so folks will want to read the next installment. The pressure mounts already. I worry that I could possibly have anything much to say that will interest you, let alone regularly. What's that sound? The peanut gallery snickering already? But I set sail with the breeze no matter what the tide and no matter what embarrassment I may cause myself.
What to write about?..... In order to advance CBI, I will try to focus on themes which I think are important to CBI and on which I draw inspiration - Sailing For All, Volunteerism, and Community. If I get this right, these three broad themes will inspire, inform and generally provide the context for why this blog exists. I will attempt to throw in some jokes, light humor, and occasionally sound like a pirate. I can also promise to use nautical metaphors and allegory, mention a good article or two, point out some other blogs, books, movies, events, and issues important to CBI, and hopefully find something to keep you engaged with CBI, sailing for all, volunteerism, and community here at the Boathouse on the Charles River. I will endeavor to drum up an original idea once in a while, (although if I were you I wouldn't hold my breath). I'd like to set your expectations reasonably low so that you will be kind to me. I will try to write in a light conversational style avoiding one of my college professor's comments after reading a long term paper, "not bad, too bad your writing style is so turgid".
I found "turgid" in Webster's unabridged dictionary. It means swollen, bloated, inflated, distended, or grandiloquent, tumid, pompous, and bombastic. That was one mean professor. Grrr….
And last I will try to keep things short and to the point.
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Rationale and Scientific Aims of the Project
Twin studies comparing identical and non identical twins are useful in determining the relative genetic and environmental contributions to disease. Recent work has shown glaucoma genes contribute to the development of glaucoma. The extent of this contribution and the interaction with environmental factors is not clear.
We wish to examine around 100 sets of identical twins, 100 sets of non identical twins who are not known to be affected by glaucoma and approximately 50 sets of twins (both identical and non identical) who stated that they were affected by glaucoma and their siblings.
The examination will be a routine glaucoma screen of visual field testing, intraocular pressure measurement and optic disc photography.
This work builds on The
Glaucoma Inheritance Study (GIST) being conducted at the Glaucoma Unit, Royal
Victorian Eye and
Project Staff
Rebekah Eyers

subset: commoncrawl


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Acupressure for Repetitive Strain Injuries (Like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
How would you like to know the top acupressure spots to use for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) in the forearm? I ran across this list of applicable acupressure points on About.com. RSI injuries are caused by the wear and tear of a set of motions (like typing, hammering, etc.) on the body. Usually the motions are not physically taxing at first, but over weeks, months and years, muscles shorten, tendons lose their flexibility or become inflamed, and nerves become pinched by the tissue around it.
Many people advocate stretching and physical therapy for RSIs, but alternative treatments may also help. In this case, the article describes a set of acupressure points that can be used to keep the forearms and hands healthy and flexible. So, if you've got issues from repetitive strain, take a peek at the article and share it with friends and family whose daily activities include repetitive motions. I've included the first three points she describes here:
Try these Acupressure Points:
|Swamp of the Curve (LI 11)
|Bend your arm so your palm faces your chest. The point is at the outer end of the elbow crease.
|Third Mile (LI 10)
|From LI 11, draw an imaginary line to your thumb. The point is 3 finger widths down this line. Feel the area for the most tender point.
|Outer Marsh (LU 5)
|Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the outer side of the tendon.
Photo credit: flickr.com CCL user: foxtongue


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Equality and Diversity at AUB
What is equality?
Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Equality is the underlying principle which entitles everyone to freedom from unfair discrimination. The emphasis of good equalities practice is to provide an environment which encourages positive attitudes to difference and equal opportunities for all.
All members of the University's community including staff, students, visitors and contractors have a responsibility to treat others fairly and respectfully regardless of the characteristics which may define their identity.
These include the legally protected characteristics which are: Age, Disability, Gender reassignment, Marriage and Civil partnership, Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion or belief (including lack of belief), Sex and Sexual orientation.
The University has committed to provide a working and learning environment founded on dignity, respect and equity where discrimination of any kind is treated with the utmost seriousness.
Equality and Diversity plan
Download our Equality and Diversity Plan 2015 – 2020
The Equality and Diversity Plan describes how the Arts University Bournemouth aims to advance its moral, social and legal obligations to put equalities at the heart of every area of activity. The plan is intended to ensure that every member of the University's community is treated fairly and respectfully regardless of the characteristics that may define their identity. It seeks to do more than simply 'promote' equalities and is focused on outcomes and real progress.
If you require any document from this site in an alternative format, or you would like to find out more about our equalities provision, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Road closures during the glacier marathon:
- Please note that there will be road closures in place due to the Half Marathon and Run & Fun events starting at the civic centre in Wenns all the way to Gasthof Pitztalerhof / turn off L17 Piller road between 9:45 am and 1:30 pm. Due to this closure of the forecourt of Wenns civic centre of L16 Pitztal road it is also necessary to divert traffic into the valley starting from Arzl/ L243 turnoff via the Jerzens road.
- For outbound traffic the L16 Pitztal road will be closed between Gasthof Pitztaler Hof and Arzl/junction to L243 between 9:45 am and 11 am. Public services are excluded from this closure.
- The L16 is closed in the village centre of Arzl between the M-Preis supermarket and the slip road to Steige in both directions between 10:30 am and 11:30 am. There is a single lane diversion for cars via Steige – Burgstallweg to the L16 junction. Public busses on their way into the valley will be parked at the Arzl industrial estate (HTB) until the road closures in Arzl are reopened.
Please note that there may be short-term closures and hold-ups up to and including the Pitztal roundabout.


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Altercations between parents, roommates, family members, spouses, significant others, or even close friends could be charged as a domestic violence case. Here's why someone charged with a domestic violence offense should immediately contact our firm to represent them:
1. No contact bond conditions: In most domestic violence cases, the court prohibits or limits the contact between the complaining witness and the charged defendant. The terms of contact can have immediate and substantial negative effects on families, creating rifts and financial burdens. We can work with the prosecutor to shape the terms of contact in a way that minimizes the negative impact of no contact conditions until the case is over.
2. Treatment options help negotiation: In many domestic violence cases, the prosecutor and the court will look positively on immediate anger management or anti-violence treatment. Obtaining treatment can also make the difference between a jail or probation sentence and simply receiving fines. We have direct contact with several programs that offer these services, so we can best-position our clients to resolve their cases with the benefit of treatment.
3. Get both sides of the story: If the charged defendant disputes what actually occurred, then we have private investigators ready to turn over each stone in the case, to learn about the history of the parties, possible motives, and assess their credibility and statements. We have resolved many cases with lesser charges because our investigation has poked holes in the witnesses' statements or provided a full picture of what happened to the prosecutor. In short, investigation matters.
4. Domestic violence can carry substantial penalties. Some domestic violence charges, like strangulation or stalking, can carry penalties that include prison. Others include the potential for jail or probation. Even if you only receive a fine, a domestic violence conviction can prevent you from owning or possessing a firearm in the future--for life.
If you know someone who is charged with a domestic violence offense, please have them contact us for effective defense representation. Call today at 262-632-2200 for a free consultation.


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The acoustical conditions in a classroom may severely impair listening, which in turn impairs learning. To safe-guard against inferior listening conditions government agencies and professional societies have established building codes and recommendations for acceptable signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and reverberation times (RT) in classrooms. Codes and recommendations are based on conditions required for speech intelligibility and correct identification of spoken words and isolated sentences.
Correct identification of what was said is a necessary condition for memory and learning, but it is not a sufficient one. There is a gap between speech intelligibility and memory and the size of that gap is a function of the intelligibility of the spoken message and how much the message taxes the individual's limited working memory capacity.
I will discuss how SN, RT and their combinations change speech intelligibility and memory of spoken messages. Although the characteristics of the spoken material and the individual's working memory capacities can be assessed independently of each other, there is a functional equivalence between them. A difficult task and a lack of skill are two sides of the same coin.
In a better world building codes and recommendations for classroom acoustics should be based on memory and learning rather than on speech intelligibility alone.
Keynote paper and presentation


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The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) is calling for a positive vision for a reformed Europe built on: strengthened territorial, social and economic cohesion; reinforced co-operation and partnership; and a Europe based on shared values with solidarity at its core.
In a political statement published today, the CPMR argues forcibly that Regions are the first to feel the impact of many of the challenges facing Europe, and must be central to providing solutions to the everyday problems facing communities, citizens and enterprises. The EU must make economic, social and territorial cohesion a fundamental pillar in its future strategies and budgets.
Europe's challenges have contributed to uncertainty and fear amongst ordinary people, and an unstable political environment, including the Brexit vote in 2016.
There has been a positive turn of events recently, notably the Dutch elections in March, and the resounding victory for Emmanuel Macron's pro-EU agenda in the French Presidential election. However, Europe's challenges have not gone away.
CPMR President Vasco Cordeiro, said: 'We hope the election of President Macron means that our reflections on Europe can focus on driving forward a positive reform agenda, where Regions are integrally involved. The risk, if this doesn't happen, is that disillusionment with the EU project will resurface as new challenges arise."
The CPMR favours a reform model in which the whole of the EU walks at a similar pace, but stresses that in any future scenario solidarity must remain a fundamental principle
Co-operation and partnership provide a very real expression of solidarity in practice, through networks, projects and exchanges. Regions, rather than national governments, are crucial to this, initiating and supporting much of this activity and bringing organisations together.
CPMR Secretary General, Eleni Marianou, said: "The EU budget must prioritise support for co-operation activities between regions in the future, with a much greater focus on actions that address the challenges and concerns of European citizens."
The CPMR calls for:
- A reinforced and reinvigorated EU Cohesion Policy, covering all Regions of the Union and addressing the growing social, economic, environmental and territorial disparities in Europe, and to counter balance the negative impacts from the functioning of the Single Market;
- Prioritisation of key investments in competitiveness, innovation, research, education and training, sustainable energy production, blue growth and the maritime economy, accessibility (including digital infrastructure), and developing sustainable solutions to new and emerging challenges;
- Emphasis on long term investment, in both physical and soft infrastructures, as well as human capital, to foster long term convergence and cohesion and sustainable development;
- A strong focus on territorial co-operation at regional level within the EU and with current and future neighbouring countries;
- Strengthened multi-level governance to involve regional and local governments, the private sector, academia and citizens.
Watch an interview with CPMR President, Vasco Cordeiro, following the release of the CPMR's 'Political Statement', setting out the vision of Regions on the future of Europe debate.


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Window Coverings Choices You Can Consider Using
Curtains or blinds are not the only options you have when it comes to window coverings. There are also more options you can consider installing depending on the use of the room and size of windows. The window coverings for large windows will be different than ones for smaller windows and window treatments for bedroom will be different than ones for living room when it comes to privacy.
Types of Window Coverings
In a room where privacy isn't a big issue such as living room or dining area, semi-sheer window coverings can make a good choice. Therefore, the natural light can enter the room easily but the living room will not be for your neighbors to see when the night comes. Remember the thicker the fabric, the less sunlight entering the room.
On the other hand, bedrooms and bathrooms are rooms where privacy becomes a concern. You will want thicker fabric to install when you go for curtains. Alternatively, try cellular shades to use in the bathroom. This shade manages plenty of natural light entering the room without you having to worry about privacy, even though your bathroom on the first floor. Floor-to-ceiling drapery can make a great choice for bedrooms on the first floor. One of window coverings here can still allow light in even though it's closed


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Strict enforcement of 70mph speed limit could fund police officers
Speed cameras on the M1 motorway through Bedfordshire could be switched on in a bid to raise much-needed funds for the local police force, a police and crime commissioner has said.
Olly Martins told the Home Affairs Select Committee that Bedfordshire Police was "stretched to the limit" and was looking at new ways to raise money.
Martins said that it was within his power to permanently switch on speed cameras between junctions 10 and 13 of the M1 to fund more officers.
Currently the cameras are only activated when a variable speed limit is in place – usually triggered by an incident on the motorway ahead or congestion.
Martins told the Select Committee: "Strict enforcement of the speed limit could raise £1m and to me that's better than losing 25 more police officers."
Although most of the money raised through speeding fines go to the Government, a proportion goes to the local police.
But the RAC has hit out at Martins' suggestion to use M1 speed cameras to raise money.
RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: "For many years RAC research has shown that a majority of motorists regard speed cameras primarily as revenue generators for the police. And it appears that the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner harbours this view too, or at least he is using this as an opportunity to make a very serious point about resourcing.
"Motorists tell us that they would like to see better enforcement and more roads police officers, but enforcement needs to be prioritised in terms of road safety benefits and not in terms of the value of the revenues generated."
The police and crime commissioner also said he was looking into ways sponsorship could bring in extra income to the force.
Local companies such as easyJet could pay to have their logo featured on police cars and uniforms. When asked whether he'd welcome the move, Collins said: "I'd welcome it because that's an alternative to reducing our police numbers below a level that I think is already putting our force in a position of not being viable."
Should the police force penalise motorway speeders in a bid to raise cash for more patrols? Let us know your thoughts below.


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Jem - Yellow (Coldplay cover)
Soul songbird Jem covered one of Coldplay's most beautiful tracks for this year's Sweethearts compilation, just in time for Valentine's Day. It's wonderful — and I'm not just saying that because "Yellow" is my favorite Coldplay songs, or just one of my favorite songs of all time.
Was talking to Mr. Newborn Rodeo on AIM and I noticed how nostalgic I am. I'll dig thoroughly through the internets to find covers of my favorite new artists covering my favorite songs of the early 2000s. And I love that. Sometimes keeping up with the hottest new indie rock single is devastatingly exhausting, but at the same time, it's lots of fun.
Anyway, enough rambling, that's what Twitter's for. Listen to Jem sing Coldplay's "Yellow" below:


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Taking "magic mushrooms", "LSD" or other psychoactive drugs is definitely one way to explore consciousness, but have you ever wondered if there was a safer alternative? A recent study by Dr. David Schwartzman and his team at the University of Sussex now suggests that flickering light can induce similar states of awareness that psilocybin does.
Dr. Schwartzman and his team collected data on brainwave measurements, neural activity and experiential reports during wakeful rest, a psilocybin experience and an experience with the stroboscopic Lucia N°03.
They concluded that: "the ability of stroboscopic stimulation to induce altered phenomenology with marked similarities to psychedelic ASC, along with similar changes in neural activity (increased signal diversity, reduced alpha power), suggests it may provide an alternative to or adjunct method alongside psychedelic therapy." (Schwartzman, et. al, 58-59)
Psychedelic substances have been making a comeback in clinical trials but this study shows the possibility of accessing similar states of consciousness and the correlated benefits without ingesting any substances. Instead, these states of consciousness can be accessed with light: specifically a solid and stroboscopic light called the Lucia N°03.
This is great news for anyone who wants to explore the benefits that psychedelics can initiate without ingesting any substances, or for anyone wanting to supplement and integrate their psychedelic experiences through another medium.
What is the Lucia N°03?
Developed at the base of Tyrolean Alps in Austria, the Lucia N°03 is a system that uses solid and flickering light to induce an altered state. It was created by Dr. Engelbert Winkler (psychologist, hypnotherapist and legal consultant for youth) and Dr. Dirk Proeckl (medical neurologist and psychiatrist) nearly a decade ago.
Following the age-old tradition of using flickering light to get into a meditative state (think campfires), the Lucia N°03 invites the light traveler into a expanded state of consciousness. It is also known as a "hypnagogic light machine" referring to the dreamy place between wakefulness and sleep. Reported benefits include: clarity, increased creativity, deep relaxation, inner peace and other-worldly experiences.
Similar to reported benefits of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, the Lucia N°03 invites the light traveler to let go of the stresses of daily life and relax into a beautiful world of colors, patterns and images created by their own brain.
What are You Truly Experiencing? Measuring States of Consciousness Within the Brain
While self-reports from experiences in altered states have been around for decades, some members of the scientific community have been seeking out the best ways to track and analyze them within the brain.
The most well-known method for measuring states of consciousness within the brain is through brainwave measurements using an EEG. This is a tool that measures the amplitude of different brain waves such as beta, alpha, theta, delta and gamma. This method has been helpful for understanding certain aspects of conscious experience, particularly in relation to meditative and spiritual experiences. Findings show a correlation between reduced alpha power and coherency within the brain.
However, recent studies on ketamine, LSD and psilocybin have found another method for measuring these states in the brain beyond what is recorded on an EEG. These look at the spontaneous complexity of activity in the brain as a marker for the degree of expanded consciousness.
Studies have shown a significant difference in the spontaneous activation of neurons in the brain when people are awake verses when they are asleep or sedated. When people are under the influence of psychedelic substances, diverse spontaneous neural activity is even higher than the normal waking state. So people, are "more awake" than usual, so to speak. There are also specific correlations between self-reported "ego-dissolution" and very high diversity of neural signals.
To explore this method of measuring consciousness more deeply and to avoid the inherent complications of the diverse responses of the individual's body/system to the neuropsychopharmalogical changes in response to ingesting psychedelic substances, Dr. Schwartzman used this same procedure to measure the spontaneous signal diversity in people while they were experiencing flickering light from the Lucia N°03 (a "non-pharmacological" altered state). While experiencing both 3 Hz and 10 Hz of flickering light, spontaneous EEG signal diversity scores were significantly higher than during wakeful rest…"a similar pattern of results to those found with psychedelic compounds (LSD, psilocybin and ketamine)." (44).
What Did You See? Perception and the Visual Experience
Past studies on visual perception under flickering light have found closed-eye visuals to be geometric in nature and specifically related to the frequency of the flicker rate. However for those who have tried the Lucia N°03 light experience on multiple occasions, visuals are not limited to geometry. While certain patterns do arise regularly, there are also accounts of bright and variant colors, complex visuals, dream-like scenes, memories, or even other worlds and visitations by beings like deceased loved ones or spirit guides.
Dr. Schwartzman and his team, for the sake of simplicity and timing, only shared the Lucia N°03 light experience to volunteers at 3 Hz and 10 Hz for 10 minutes each. Even with these shorter sessions, at 3 Hz, 12 out of 19 participants described witnessing complex visual hallucinations (CVH) such as faces or realistic scenes. These reports exceeded the expectations of the researchers, and on a physiological level correlated to higher spontaneous EEG diversity scores and a reduction in the alpha brain-wave power. If you recall, this demonstrates both greater coherency in the brain and more awakened states. The 10 minute 10 Hz experience was also reported to be very visual with reports by volunteers were centered on colors and geometric patterns.
Tell Me More: Anecdotal Self-Reports
The third way in which the Lucia N°03's flickering light was compared to data on a psilocybin experience was through self-reported intensity and an adapted questionnaire on aspects of perception of an altered state of consciousness.
The diagram above, which can be found on page 23 of the study, shows the differences in self-rated measures such as intensity, past, peace, merge, etc. Interestingly, there are many similarities between the self-reported measures of the psilocybin experience and the experiences with the stroboscopic light of the Lucia N°03.
Over The Rainbow: Support, Critiques and a Call for More Research
While the EEG has been around for decades, finding new neurological markers for expanded states of consciousness is exciting. Understanding the diverse neural activation that occurs during an altered state of consciousness is a way for science to ground some of the theories about how these states alter our reality.
Even more exciting is the idea that these states can be accessed through legal methods such as the experience of stroboscopic light from the Lucia N°03.
However, as with all pioneering studies, there were several limitations. First of all, the length of the two different sessions with the Lucia N°03 were only 10 minutes each. From my own years of anecdotal research offering Lucia N°03 light sessions, I have noticed it can take 20-60 minutes of continuous light for a first-time light traveler to sink deeply into the experience. It would be interesting to replicate this study with two or three times the length of sessions, while also comparing singular frequencies with one of the pre-programmed Lucia N°03 sessions that use a variety of frequencies throughout the session.
As with other studies on altered states of consciousness, these experiences were offered in a clinical or semi-clinical setting in order to maintain a rigor of experimental control. However, it would be interesting to see how different settings would alter the self-reported experience and takeaways from the light travelers. Timothy Leary famously proclaimed that up to 99% of the LSD experience was dependent on the "set and setting,." Therefore variations in ambiance, preparation and space-holding of the researcher might drastically change the experience of the light traveler.
Despite these critiques, it is both refreshing and exciting to see scientific studies investigating the different ways to access these states and measure them. My deepest gratitude and respect go to Dr. Schwartzman and his team at the University of Sussex.
Check out the full study for yourself here.
Schwartzman, David J. et. al. "Increased spontaneous EEG signal diversity during stroboscopically-induced altered states of consciousness." Jan. 4, 2019; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/511766.
FAQ about the Lucia N°03:
- Where can I experience the Lucia N°03 for myself?
If you are interested in experiencing a Lucia N°03 light session, you can book a session with a local light guide in your area. They can be found here.
- Where can I learn more about the Lucia N°03?
Check out our website – www.lucialightexperience.com/ or contact Allison with any questions or comments – firstname.lastname@example.com
- How often can/should you experience the Lucia N°03? Is this something that could be addictive?
Beyond experiencing an expanded state of consciousness and the correlated potential benefits of: meditative and spiritual experiences, a fresh/broadened perspective on life, etc., the Lucia N°03 is also deeply relaxing for the nervous system. Full sessions are generally 30 minutes – 1 hour and a series of 6+ sessions is recommended to assist in lowering the baseline level of stress and accessing a flow state of consciousness, deepening presence, inner peace and patience. The initial series of sessions can be experienced from 1-3x a week.
While the Lucia N°03 is a powerful even the first time, further sessions assist in dropping deeper into the experience and receiving more benefits. Recently we have released a "Home Portal" which is a smaller and more portable version of the Lucia N°03 that is designed specifically for personal use.
The Lucia N°03 is not addictive, however new light aficionados often enjoy immersing in the light experience up to once a day for their first few months of using the lamp. As restrictive patterns shift, the urge to work with the lamp naturally tapers off to once or twice a week, or even every other week. I have personally been working with the Lucia N°03 for 5 years and my personal preferences have gone through different phases over the years. I have spent up to a few months away from it as well as immersing every day for months at a time. My experience with the Lucia N°03 has moved me out of a state of perpetual trauma and depression to a stable, positive, thriving state where even when life offers challenges, I am able to find peace in my response to them.
Questions? Email firstname.lastname@example.com
Shining Light on Alzheimer's Disease
Recent research by Dr. Li-Huei Tsai and her colleagues at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has demonstrated the power of flickering light in combating Alzheimer's disease in mice.
Alzheimer's disease affects over 5 million people in the US alone. It is a type of dementia that effects learning, intellectual ability, memory and behavior. Dr. Alois Alzheimer discovered clumps of amyloid plaques and tangled tau brain fibers in a woman's brain in 1906. Another notable feature of Alzheimer's disease patients is lack of healthy gamma wave oscillations. So far, attempts to use drugs to prevent or clear amyloid plaque formation have been unsuccessful.
Brainwave Activity
Inside the human brain are billions of different neurons. The junctions between different neurons are called synapses. Electrical signals fire through the brain synapses, bringing millions of neurons into synchrony in cycles, or waves. These are known as brainwaves. The speed and amplitude of these brainwaves are linked to certain states of consciousness, which are classified into five distinct categories. These brainwave frequencies range from delta waves (.5-3hz) to gamma waves (25-100+hz). Your synapses actually fire in all of these different frequency waves simultaneously, however one frequency at a time is usually dominant. Each person's brainwave signatures (combinations of waves including amplitude of each brainwave) are unique.
Gamma Brainwaves and Dr. Tsai's Study
Gamma brainwaves, which are impaired in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, are the highest frequency of brainwaves. They are associated with higher learning, deep meditation, altruism and communication between different parts of the brain.
Instead of trying to directly clear the amalyoid plaques or untangle the tau fibers, Dr. Tsai and her team focused on the gamma wave. They found that they could encourage the mice's brain to produce gamma waves by using flashing lights at 40hz. Microglia (the brain's cleanup crew) were activated by this stimulation and returned to the their normal job of assisting with the immune response by consuming the harmful amyloid beta plaque.
Therefore, after flashing a 40hz frequency for 1 hour at mice with Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Tsai and her team found a 50% reduction of beta amayloid plaques. The original effects only worked for 12-24 hours. After this period the microglia became sluggish again and the amayloid plaques began to build back up. Thus, they tried again. This time they gave the mice 1 hour of 40hz stimulation for 7 days in a row. They saw great improvement. They also saw a marked decrease in the tangled tau fibers in the brain, which is another main feature of Alzheimer's disease.
The Bottom Line
As Alzheimer's is considered an irreversible and progressive brain disorder, this study represents very exciting research. Whether this will work on humans as effectively as mice remains to be seen. As Dr. Tsai herself commented as the main result of the study, "Our findings uncover a previously unappreciated function of gamma rhythms in recruiting both neuronal and glial responses to attenuate Alzheimer's-disease-associated pathology."
Also exciting though is Dr. Tsai's approach, which activates the brain back to normal functioning without drugs, so that it can heal itself.
Access the full journal article here: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v540/n7632/full/nature20587.html
Listen to an entertaining podcast about it here:
When I first experienced the Lucia nearly 4 years ago, the very first thing I remember was being welcomed by a "warm glow." Many people include this "warmth" in their descriptions of their encounters with the Lucia N°03. In fact, the Lucia N°03 company has a patent on this potent combination of solid and flickering light. Instead of just being shoved under strobe light (which can cause high anxiety for many people), the Lucia always welcomes you in with soft light provided by the central halogen bulb and gently guides you back when a session is over.
The combination of the solid and flickering light provided by the Lucia N°03 creates an absolutely unmatchable experience – an experience that can reach everyone, in every moment. Feeling stressed, exhausted or anxious? No worries, try a gentle session! There are over 20 gentle sessions to choose from. Feeling ready for something intense and powerfully moving? There are over 40 strong sessions to choose from. Would you like a session that is relaxing but still has moments of climax? How about a Dimensions session? Or what about one that starts gently and then slowly builds up? Stargate sounds great! The Lucia can offer it it all. With over 100 pre-programmed sessions (and many more in the works) you have a vast array of sessions to choose from. And remember – no experience is ever the same! Even if you choose the same session over and over – it will be different for you each time!
Lucia N°03 sessions go through a variety of different frequencies and levels of brightness, which cause different visual effects. Most people find moments when they feel absolutely lifted, joyous -- overwhelmed with gratitude and positivity. The Lucia N°03 has the unique ability to pause in these moments and extend them for as long as possible. This feature is great for light attendants – you can pause the session when you see your client break out into a grin or drop into a deep meditative state. It is also great if you are giving yourself a session, for you can pause it whenever you feel like it, for as long as you'd like, with a simple click of the mouse. There is even a session called "Lazy Sunday Afternoon" that was designed specifically for this purpose. It is only 10 minutes long, but travels through a wide range of frequencies, so you can pause and dive in to a vast array of different incredible visuals, created by the unique beauty of your own mind.
Another wonderful feature of the Lucia N°03 is the option to change the brightness of the lamp during a session. This is a wonderful feature for light attendants, for if a client is wincing against the brightness of the light, the light attendant can turn down the brightness, immediately making the experience more comfortable. Additionally, the halogen in the center softens the brightness as well, so you are not just being blasted by LEDs that can't be turned down much, but rather you can choose your experience and make it the perfect one for this perfect moment. If you are giving yourself a light session or would prefer to adjust the brightness yourself, you can also use the mouse to adjust the brightness on your own.
Once you get to know the Lucia, you can start to not only develop your own sessions – but you can create live sessions as well! You are essentially a DJ of the light, creating loops of different intensities and creating an absolutely unique session for the person on the light. You can even record the session so you can try it for yourself later!
Once you delve into the world of creating your own sessions, you can start to customize them by recreating moments that you or your client already love with the snapshot function. Simply click the roller of the mouse and a photo of the arrangement of frequencies and brightness with be saved for later – allowing you to recreate the moment yourself for a uniquely designed session.
It is now possible to upload playlists of your favorite mp3s onto the Lucia N°03 laptop – so you can play music and give sessions all from the same place!
Light Ambassadors at Traveling Light LLC
February 2019


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Doll Auctions | Doll Books | Dolls For Sale |
Forum | Doll Glossary |
Doll Marks | Doll Values
Barbie Dolls
Identifying Vintage Ken Dolls 1961-1976
Barbie Dolls
11 1/2"
1959-1962 |
1968-1972 |
Barbie Clothes
1959-1963 |
1966-1968 |
1971-1972 |
1975-1976 | 1977+
| Gift Sets
Clothing Tags |
Doll & History Bild Lilli
Dolls 12"
Ken |
& Curtis
Ken Clothes
1961-1967 |
Dolls 9 1/4"
Skipper & Ginger
Skooter, Ricky,
Fluff, Tiff
Skipper Clothes
Dolls 11 1/4"
Casey & Twiggy
Francie Clothes
1966-1969 |
Dolls 6 1/4"
Todd, Chris,
Buffy, Pretty Pairs,
Dolls 11 1/2"
Midge |
| Truly
Julia |
Steffie & Babs
Miss America
Kelley & Cara
Clone Dolls
| Bild Lilli
1966 Doll Marking
Barbie Miscellaneous
Ken Carson was born and celebrates his official birthday on March 11, 1961. He is a 12" tall vinyl doll and
is Barbie's boyfriend. Ken is named after the Handler's (founders of
Mattel) son.
Ken, like Barbie is a slick dresser, with a fabulous wardrobe
that he shares with several friends, he also has a car, vinyl cases and many
accessories. The Ken doll like Barbie, also evolved over the years, but girls,
he's still single!
0750 Ken
Doll (1961)
12" tall vinyl doll with straight-legs, flocked
hair (Fuzzy headed); blonde, brunette/black or brownette/lighter brown, a hollow torso wearing red trunks with a white stripe on side, cork
sandals with red vinyl straps, a black wire stand, yellow towel (the earliest produced dolls did not have the towel).
Doll mark: Ken ™ Pats. Pend. © MCMLX by Mattel Inc.
0750 Ken
Doll (1962)
12" tall vinyl doll with straight-legs, new
painted hair in blonde or brunette, same body as earlier doll wearing solid red trunks either cotton or stretch jersey material, a
red/white striped jacket with the collar stitched on was added, cork sandals with red vinyl straps, black wire stand, no towel was
included. Same mark as 1961 doll.
Doll mark:
Ken ™ Pats.Pend. © MCMLX by Mattel
0750 Ken Doll (1963)
1/4" shorter than previous dolls, loose legs,
pronounced kneecaps, fatter arms & hands. Rest same as prior doll.
New Markings. Doll mark:
Ken ® © 1960 by/Mattel,
Inc. Hawthorne Calif. U.S.A.
0750 Ken Doll (1964-1968)
Red striped jacket now has the terry cloth collar
bonded on, rest same as 1962
doll. New marking;
Doll mark:
© 1960 by Mattel, Inc.
Hawthorne Calif. U.S.A.
1020 Ken Doll Bendable Leg (1965-1967)
New bendable legs, red trunks, blue jacket
with a "K" initial, blond or brunette molded hair, cork red sandals, black or wire stand.
1124 Ken Doll Bendable Legs (1970)
New Good Lookin' Ken doll
Same muscular body as #1111, brown molded hair,
blue eyes. Now wearing a mustard open slit shirt,
multi-colored swirled print trunks (same print as
1142 Brad Doll Bendable Leg 1970).
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel, Inc.
U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pat's. Pending Mexico
1111 Talking Ken Doll (1969-1970)
All new head and body, Ken's been working out and
it shows, a much more muscular body, new solid red trunks and jacket
with bronze buttons, new clear X stand. In 1970 Ken got new
clothes now he came dressed in red shorts and a red jacket.
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel, Inc.
U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pat's. Pending Mexico
Talking Ken Doll English (1970)
8372 Talking Ken Doll Spanish (1970)
New orange and turquoise jacket, same marks
as above Ken. Both the English & Spanish speaking Ken had the same
attire. Markings same as above doll.
1111 Talking Ken Doll (1971-1972)
New marks rest same as 1969-70.
Doll mark: © 1968 Mattel, Inc. U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pats. Pending
Hong Kong
1159 Live Action Ken Doll
Same doll mark as below, same doll just no
stage, instead this one has a posing stand. Brown molded painted hair,
jointed moveable waist, bendable legs, brown suede fringed vest,
multi-colored tricot shirt, gold satin pants and brown shoes.
1172 Live Action on stage Ken doll (1971)
Has a medium blue stage, microphone & a 45 rpm
record. Rest same as doll shown above.
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel,
Inc. Taiwan U.S. & For. Pat'd Patented in Canada 1967 Other Pats
1088 SunSet Malibu Ken Doll (1971)
New suntan skin tone, painted molded blond hair,
bendable legs, red trunks & a blue towel.
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel,
Inc. U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pats. Pending Hong Kong
1088 SunSet Malibu Ken Doll (1975-early 1976)
Doll mark: © 1968 Mattel,
Inc. U.S. & For. Patd. Other Pats. Pending Taiwan.
1088 SunSet Malibu Ken Doll (Late 1976)
Doll mark:
1088 0500 1 ©
Mattel Inc.1968 Hong Kong
1184 Walk Lively
Ken Doll (1972)
New walking construction, brown
molded hair, blue short sleeve shirt, tan/blue plaid
pants & brown shoes.
Doll mark:
© 1968
Mattel, Inc. U.S. Pat. Pend. Taiwan
3314 Busy Ken Doll (1972-1973)
First to have bendable elbows. New
hands that can grasp and hold items, bendable legs, blue
jeans & red tank top, brown belt & white tennis
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel,
Inc. U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pats. Pending Hong Kong
1196 Busy Talking Ken Doll (1972)
Doll mark same as
above Busy Ken, pretty much the same doll only talks
& different outfit: wore red corduroy pants, red/blue
plaid shirt, brown belt & shoes.
4224 Mod Hair Ken Doll (1973-1975)
New rooted brown hair, extra beard,
sideburns & 2 moustaches, bendable legs, brown/white
checked jacket, white turtle neck dickey, light brown
pants & brown shoes.
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel,
Inc. U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pats. Pending Hong Kong
4234 Montgomery Ward
Mod Hair Ken doll (1974-1976)
Doll marked same as
4224 Ken Mod Hair. Dressed doll, in pale blue brocade
tux, black pants & bowtie, black shoes & red
7809 Sun Valley Ken Doll (1974)
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel,
Inc. U.S. & For. Pat'd. Other Pats. Pending Taiwan
7194 Fun Time Ken Doll (1975-1976)
Doll mark same as
7809 Sun Valley
7261 Gold Medal Skier Ken Doll (1975)
Doll mark same
as 7809 Sun Valley
7261 Gold Medal Skier Ken Doll (1976)
Same as above doll.
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel,
Inc. Taiwan U.S. & Foreign Pat'd. Pat'd. in Canada
9342 Now Look Ken Doll (Early 1976)
Doll mark: Same
as 7809 Sun Valley
9342 Now Look Ken Doll (Late 1976)
Rooted hair is much longer, to his
shoulders, no bangs and no receding forehead like the
early version, paler skin tone than earlier doll and
the arms have the hands facing towards the back rather
than towards the thighs. Same outfit. Now made in
Hong Kong.
Doll mark:
0500 3 © Mattel Inc.1968 Hong Kong
7280 Free Moving Ken Doll (1975)
Ken has painted brown hair, free
moving tab on back of doll makes it very movable.
By rotating the tab the doll could appear to be bending,
twisting or swinging an accessory. Both Ken and
Curtis are wearing a one piece short suit, Ken's has
solid white shorts with a red and white striped knit top,
white shoes and socks, accessories are a golf club,
tennis racket and ball.
Doll mark:
© 1968 Mattel, Inc. Taiwan
U.S. Patent Pending
Dolls Ken | Allan | Brad
& Curtis
| Ricky Ken
& Allan Clothes 1961-1967 | 1969-1976
Buy, Collect, Sell or get pricing values worth for vintage
Ken dollsvintage Ken dolls, use ebay sold listings
11 1/2" Dolls Barbie |
Bild Lilli |
Midge |
Stacey | Christie
| Truly | Julia |
PJ | Jamie |
Steffie & Babs |
Miss America |
Kelley & Cara
Clone Dolls
| Bild Lilli | Skipper
12" Dolls Ken |
Allan | Brad & Curtis 11 1/4" Dolls Francie
| Casey & Twiggy
9 1/4" Dolls Skipper
Ginger | Skooter, Ricky, Fluff, Tiff
6 1/4" Dolls Tutti,
Buffy, Pretty
Pairs, Carla
Barbie |
Ken |
Francie |
Skipper |
Tutti |
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text:
Surpassing half a billion downloads, Angry Birds has become the most downloaded game in the history of gaming. Though there are games with the same play concepts, it's perhaps the only one that has expanded well beyond games for mobile phones, tablets, PC and web browsers. It's taken the world by storm and its global appeal is certainly undeniable. In fact, earlier this month, Rovio opened its first Angry Birds-themed retail shop in its native Finland.
Seeing that there's so much interest in this game, a good source for gifts this holiday season will probably be Rovio's online shop. However, if you look around on the web, you'll find plenty of tutorials teaching you how to create cool little toys and crafts. Here are 5 relatively easy projects that not only make homage to Angry Birds, but most importantly will probably make an Angry Birds-obsessed child, family member or friend ecstatic.
Snacks: Easy Cookies & Sandwiches
Sweetsugarbelle.com is a website dedicated to cookie decoration ideas, tutorials and recipes. On the site, the author modified a sugar cookie recipe for Angry Birds, using Easter cookie cutters bought from Target, and cutting the top part of the ears. From there, she used green, black, white flood icing to achieve this amazing rendition of the pig from Angry Birds. If you have a Hershey Kiss cutter, you can also make the Yellow Bird-shaped cookie with this recipe.
Another cool recipe that doesn't involve much actual cooking is this amazing little open sandwich idea.
The recipe is here and requires mini-bagels, slices of salami, cheddar cheese, black olives, fresh mozzarella and shredded romaine lettuce. Though it only shows Red Bird, it's still a fun, super-easy and quick way to make a sandwich. You could even have your kids help you making these goodies.
Christmas Ball Ornaments: Choose Between Painting Or Gluing
Here's something that you can easily make for your Angry Birds-obsessed family members and/or friends for the upcoming holiday – a Christmas ball ornament. I've found two tutorials, one in text and another one in video form. For the first one, you'll need plastic Christmas ornaments, some acrylic paint (the author of the tutorial even said some of the dollar store green and black paints will work fine), scraps of felt, a needle and white/red threads. The tutorial involves some painting and stitching but even if you're that good at either of those skills, you can easily get away as they'll look fabulous and fun either way.
For the second tutorial that doesn't involve stitching or painting, you'll need a glue gun, some red feathers, black pipecleaners, yellow foam or construction paper, black felt, googly (nope, they have nothing to do with Google) or wiggle eyes, and red Christmas balls. You can watch the complete Youtube tutorial from NICKandCHAPIN here:
Though the tutorial only shows how to complete an ornament for Red Bird, you can easily get creative to achieve the other characters in Angry Birds with some of the same materials.
Make Your Own Inexpensive (Polymer) Clay Figures
Polymer clay is a sculptable material used by artists, hobbyists and children that can be baked and hardened permanently. According to Wikipedia, it's based on PVC and is only called "clay" because it resembles clay in texture and working properties. This type of "clay" seems to be very popular on YouTube as it's flooded with polymer clay tutorials. Most of them show you how to make miniature Angry Birds for key chains, charms bracelets and so forth. The following tutorial by EvanTubeHD (narrated by the channel owner's son) is one that shows how to make a bigger model of Orange Bird from Angry Birds 2012 – Hamoween:
The 3-minute video-tutorial features Sculpey III clay, which can be found on Amazon for less than $3 for 2oz or at your local Hobby Lobby, Michael's or craft supply store. In the video, the artist wraps a ball of scrunched-up aluminum foil with orange polymer clay, and makes the eyes, teeth, beak and feathers from smaller pieces of black, yellow and white clay. After that, he wraps toothpicks with brown clay to make the eyebrows before putting the model on a foil-lined pan and into a regular oven for 20 minutes at 275 degrees F.
The tutorial seems easy enough that it makes you want to buy some polymer clay, doesn't it?! After all, If you get all the characters in Angry Birds, you could end up having your own little Angry Birds game, like this boy from the same channel, EvanTubeHD.
Of course, if you'd rather buy unique clay models, there are plenty of expert polymer clay artists that sell their creations on Etsy, like this ornament:
Or these earrings:
Bonus (For Those That Can Stitch Or Crochet)
If you can stitch, there's a tutorial from Obsessively Stitching that can show you how to make your own Angry Birds plush toys.
The tutorials from the same blog to make all the Angry Birds characters are here.
Now if you can crochet, there's a popular pattern from theitsybitsyspider (and another one here) you can follow to get Angry Birds models like these:
This is a small selection of DIY projects that Angry Birds fans have come up. Have you seen other cool Angry Birds-inspired crafts or recipes out there? Tell us in the comments below!
Image credit: Screencap from EvanTubeHD's video


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A design and Construct new build of a Laboratory in an existing warehouse that included a change of purpose of the building. Maintaining the operation of the existing lab with only a day and a half shut down to relocate required lab infrastructure from old premises to new.
Key Features
- 6-week construction
- Testing Laboratory
- Design and Change of Purpose
- Defect Free
- Oil & Gas Client
- Separate Defit of old Laboratory
- Live environment (Client needed to be operational throughout project with limited time to repurporse lab equipment.)
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Writing with a typewriter makes you think more carefully because you don't have the luxury of Undo. This short text is inspired by the ever-expanding creep of video display screens into our lives.
BEGIN GIVEN that I have chosen this path through life THEN I should be satisfied with the consequences AND nothing can change the decisions of the past SO some kind of just reward has been served WHEN experience teaches us… Continue Reading →
My thing for today is a letter. Written at the monthly Letter Writing Club held at Alphabet City. Type writers are a whole different world from our computer keyboards. You have to be able to spell, have strong fingers and… Continue Reading →
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Vivify Intelligence
Cybersecurity is a BIG issue at the moment. As technology gets more sophisticated so do the hackers.
According to the UK Government's 'Information Security Breaches Survey 2015' 90% of all large organisations have had a data breach. But they weren't alone as 74% of small businesses also had a data breach. For large organisations It cost an average of £1.46m - £3.14m and £75k - £311k for small businesses.
Inadvertent Human Error
50% of those breaches were due to inadvertent human errors by staff. A business can defend their systems with all the security in the world, but it only takes one staff member to inadvertently install Malware to potentially cost their employer millions.
Many companies already provide training for staff, but unfortunately the training is mostly ineffective and breaches still happen. It's time for a new strategy.
At Vivify we take a different approach. We combine experiential learning, behaviour change theory and gamification. Using these techniques we create interactive, engaging and effective cybersecurity programmes.
Cybersecurity Behaviours
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Free Consultation
If you would like a free consultation, contact us and find out how Vivify Intelligence can help you minimise the risk of a costly information breach.


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The Halfhill Report - A Sad State of Affairs
Mar 31st, 2018
Featured Stories - Fears of Open Warfare, Giant Pink Things and Pandaren History
Sponsors: The Order of the Cloud Serpent and Stormstout Brewery.
Recorded live at the Lazy Turnip Inn in the village of Halfhill, the Valley of the Four Winds in beauitful Pandaria!
Reach us on Twitter @HalfhillReport or by email at email@example.com
Find Toshmifune and Professor Taliep on the Wyrmrest Accord server!
Show notes and Credits:
MUSIC - "Chinatown" by AudioBinger Music Production, used uner CC License Attribution-Noncommercial
ARTWORK - All Logo Art by Toshmifune, derived from stock imagery from
PANDAREN HISTORY - Information Derived from Wowpedia
- https://wow.gamepedia.com/Pandaria, https://wow.gamepedia.com/Pandaren
All place and character names from World of Warcraft used in the Halfhill Report are the exclusive property of Blizzard Entertainment. World of Warcraft is a trademark or registered trademark of Blizzard Entertainment Inc in the US and other countries. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended by the creator of The Halfhill Report.


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Now that the school year is back in full swing and parents and kids alike are adjusting to new schedules and obligations, there is room to focus on good oral health. It's impossible to know how your kids behave when they're away from you all day in school, and that extends to what they're doing to their teeth and gums. Here are some oral health dos and don'ts for the classroom, the field, and home.
Nix the Bad Habits
Mindless doodling may be a side effect of spending most of the day with a pen or pencil in hand, but kids also get into the habit of chewing on those writing instruments when they're daydreaming or thinking hard. Plenty of broken and chipped teeth come about because people are using their teeth for things other than chewing food.
It can also be a challenge for kids to go from summertime, where they could eat and snack at any point in the day, to school, where there is one meal and not really any room for snacks. Some kids may curb the hunger by opting to suck on hard candy or lollipops throughout the day. This habit is one that will come back to bite you – constantly bathing your teeth in sugar and acid without any sort of brushing or flossing creates a breeding ground for bacteria. And that means cavities. Kids love to miss school, but no one wants it to be because they have to get a tooth filling.
If your kids must gnaw on something or indulge in some sort of snack to keep those stomachs from growling in class, make it a stick of sugar-free gum with xylitol – it'll keep breath clean, increase saliva production, and the natural sweetener won't harm teeth.
The dental treatment that's perfect for the multi-tasking mom >>
Smart About Sports
For the athletes in your home, the job of keeping teeth healthy can be a little weightier. If your son or daughter is playing a sport that requires them to wear a mouth guard, be sure it's fitted properly and is doing its job to protect their smile – especially if it's a smile that you invested a lot of time and money in for orthodontic treatment. It's also up to your kid though to be responsible and wear their mouth guard whenever called for.
Why athletes may have the least healthy teeth >>
Be Conscientious
Don't allow school to get in the way of regular dental cleanings and exams or orthodontic adjustments. This goes for kids and adults alike.
Cleanings are only twice a year, and they can easily be scheduled for after school. For those who have orthodontia, it's crucial to keep up with the necessary visits to your dentist to ensure that the teeth and jaw are moving properly and at the expected rate.
For teens and grown-ups who want to spend less time in the dentist's chair but still wish for straight teeth, talk to your dentist about Invisalign. These invisible aligners are the under-the-radar way to align your smile without looking like a brace-face.
Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell is a certified Invisalign provider. Contact Red Bank Dentistry to schedule your free initial consultation and find out whether you're a candidate for Invisalign.


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Symphony Overview
The Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest of New Jersey's 25 community orchestras, having performed its 1st concert in 1932 with its founder, Walter Kurkewicz conducting. Maestro Kurkewicz was succeeded by Louis Sutera in 1961 and Edward J. Napiwocki in 1964.Israel G. Herman, is in his 9th season as Musical Director and Conductor.
Community orchestras are amateur musical groups whose members come from the local community for the purpose of providing a high level of musical performance at a reasonable cost to the public. The BSO's personnel includes music teachers, college professors, doctors, engineers, scientists, social workers, psychologists, housewives/husbands, members of the corporate community, high school/college students, and a few professional musicians. In addition to providing local, affordable concerts of symphonic music for the community, our goal is to provide our members with an enriching and challenging musical activity.
Visit our dedicated site at: www.bloomfieldsymphony.org


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EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hot Wheels(R) today announced a match made in motorsports heaven -- a partnership with JR Motorsports racing team and its newest driver, Danica Patrick, as she enters the NASCAR racing circuit in 2010. Hot Wheels(R) will sponsor Patrick's car during the Nationwide Series season, including primary sponsor placement in the August 14th race at Michigan International Speedway. Additionally, Hot Wheels(R) and Patrick are working together on other key promotional initiatives, including a special Hot Wheels(R) vehicle designed by Patrick herself.
"Speed, power and performance and the ultimate race car -- that is what connects Hot Wheels, JR Motorsports and Danica," said Simon Waldron, vice president, Wheels Marketing at Mattel. "Our partnership provides a real world association between our brand and the biggest names in racing, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them in 2010."
The announcement was made today at the Daytona International Speedway, where Patrick unveiled graphic renderings of the custom die-cast vehicle she co-designed with the Hot Wheels(R) team at the Mattel Design Center in El Segundo, Calif. Patrick's "Danicar" is the first celebrity-designed Hot Wheels(R) vehicle and will be made in the traditional 1:64 scale.
"My life is all about high velocity cars, and the only car company I could imagine being able to create my vision of the ultimate fantasy car is Hot Wheels," said Danica Patrick. "On the track, I am looking forward to speeding towards the finish line in true Hot Wheels style."
The "Danicar" takes its cues from elements found in race car styles and is truly an awesome machine -- the fullness of the car's back-end and the overall wedge-shape with an open cockpit, respectively. From the chartreuse-yellow Spectraflame(R) paint, to three sets of different size wheels, and adjustable wings on the front and back -- all are elements that Patrick and the Hot Wheels(R) design team collaborated on during her visit. This exclusive car will be available at retailers across the U.S. beginning in October 2010.
Since its inception more than 40 years ago, Hot Wheels(R) has had a long-standing history with the automotive racing world -- from sponsoring the Snake and Mongoose rivalry of the NHRA(R) to sponsoring Jack Baldwin's car in the 1992 Trans-Am Championship to a Kyle Petty NASCAR sponsorship during the '90s, plus an exclusive line of die-cast models for NASCAR.
For more information about Hot Wheels(R), JR Motorsports or Danica Patrick, visit www.HotWheels.com, www.dalejr.com or www.DanicaRacing.com.
Hot Wheels(R) can be found on: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hotwheels and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hotwheelsonline
About the Hot Wheels(R) Brand
Hot Wheels(R) cars revolutionized boys' toys in 1968 with an original line of super-fast, customized cars built for speed, power, performance and attitude. Now, more than 40 years later, Hot Wheels(R) is a global lifestyle brand that represents the coolest cars imaginable in scales from miniature to full-size. Hot Wheels(R) cars are also popular collectibles for adults and each year, introduces a new line-up of innovative vehicles, track sets and playsets.
About Mattel, Inc.
Mattel, Inc., (NASDAQ:MAT) (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R) brands, including Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2009, Mattel is recognized among the "100 Best Corporate Citizens," as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and as one of FORTUNE Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For." With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs approximately 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.
© 2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About JR Motorsports
JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's seven-time Most Popular Driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races. JR Motorsports competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In 2008 JRM enjoyed a breakout season with four Nationwide Series victories between its two teams. The company followed suit with four more wins in 2009. The JR Motorsports facilities are based out of Mooresville, N.C., and include the JR Nation retail store, Hammerhead Entertainment, and DEJ Realty.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6170175&lang=en
SOURCE: Mattel, Inc.
Mattel, Inc.
Christina Ramirez, 310-252-4619
Lauren Purnell, 213-438-8732
JR Motorsports
Mike Davis, 704-799-4851
Copyright Business Wire 2010


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U.S. Monofilaments uses Nature Works 3D850, a polymer that was engineered specifically for 3D Printing. This filament is extremely easy to print with and is perfect for high definition prints. It is also tougher and stronger than typical PLA. Additionally, finished prints can be annealed to impart higher heat resistance and durability. ALL OF OUR FILAMENTS ARE MADE IN VERMONT WITH PRIDE !
Grade: PLA (Nature Works 3D850 High Heat Grade)
Diameter: 1.75mm +/- .03
3D Printing Temp.: 190-230°C
Annealing Temp.: 80-130°C
Print Bed Temp.: None needed. (or 50-70°C if applicable)


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The most trendy in gemstone jewelry today is going from the unique cuts to the raw irregular shaped jewelry. Its just how beautiful they look, naturally, rather than bringing in human elements and machine cuts. Simply natural forms and shapes are great for an impressionable appearance for the confident fashion conscious woman!
|Hand Made Quartz Ear Rings on Etsy
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Wishing All My Readers of Obsessed Over Stones a Merry Christmas and A Very Very Happy Prosperous New Year Ahead!
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Tangled Up in Blue: More marriage resolutions and further thoughts
This is the twenty-sixth post in a series on resolutions for General Convention 2015. See also the index of resolutions and the list of resources related to #GC78.
After I wrote my first post on marriage, I found the conversations in the comments section helpful. Over on Facebook (have you liked Seven whole days yet?), I also found a number of conversations helpful, both in terms of helping me understand other points of view and in changing my mind of some issues. For those just tuning in, let me remind you that I fully support our church's continued move to bless and marry same-sex couples. My only questions are about how to do that. Here are my hopes:
- That we speak and deliberate in a gracious manner, praying for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in all things and recognizing that we are called to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).
- That we find a way to offer the riches of God's blessing to all people who are called to marriage, working toward a single set of rites in our Book of Common Prayer for all marriages and blessings.
- That we proceed in a way that honors our Anglican liturgical heritage and our own polity.
So to get specific, after some conversation with others, I continue to hope we authorize the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music marriage rites (found in the SCLM supplement to the Blue Book). There are a number of ways to authorize these rites, and I think I favor authorizing at least Form 2 for "trial use" as a potential replacement for the current prayer book services. This puts us on a path toward a single rite for marriage, and it acknowledges where we are headed. Our yes is a yes, indeed.
The "trial use" authorization could be effected in a way that requires the permission of the Ecclesiastical Authority to use the services, or it could be authorized for use within congregations without further recourse or consultation with one's bishop. Form 1, could be authorized for "provisional use" which is kind of a made-up way of authorizing things we've used before, again either requiring permission or not. In our liturgical authorization, we need to remember that not all places in the Episcopal Church will have legal same-sex marriage, even if it becomes the law of the land in the US.
I do not think we should authorize these services apart from "trial use" because doing so puts us on a long-term course toward having a two-tiered set of marriage services with same-sex couples using a marriage service outside the prayer book that is "separate but equal."
The Task Force for the Study of Marriage has also proposed a canon change. I'm a bit puzzled by it, because it is said that the canon itself does not change our doctrine or practice of marriage. Tobias Haller had a lengthy and generous conversation with me here and elsewhere online, and I now concede his point that the proposed canon does not itself conflict in any way with the prayer book doctrine or discipline. However, I'm not sure it makes positive change either. If the reason for the canon change is to prevent Title IV clergy discipline charges from being filed against clergy who perform same-sex marriages, it will not help, because the doctrine and discipline of our church with respect to marriage continues to state "one man, one woman" until such time as we revise the prayer book. (This is one reason I hope we adopt the materials as "trial use" or even Form 2 in a first reading of prayer book revision; to go on record as heading toward prayer book revision and thus an evolution in our doctrine and discipline.)
Moreover, the proposed canon change has some negative effects, in my view. Mostly, it strips away the language which refers to marriage as sacred. The term "Holy Matrimony" is not used, instead it's the more generic (and quite secular) "marriage." The canon becomes a rule about institutional marriage, with hardly a mention of God. Before the change, the canon requires a couple to sign a statement which says,
We, A.B. and C.D., desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a lifelong union of husband and wife as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. We believe that the union of husband and wife, in heart, body, and mind, is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. And we do engage ourselves, so far as in us lies, to make our utmost effort to establish this relationship and to seek God's help thereto.
Clearly, some amendment of this declaration would be required, at least getting rid of "husband and wife." The phrase about children needs a look anyway, since many marriages will not result in the procreation of children, even if we weren't talking about same-sex marriage. But all that said, I love that the current canon grounds marriage in the love of God and in our teaching about its purpose.
In the proposed canon, there is no similar declaration. Instead, the couple must "have been instructed by the Member of the Clergy, or a person known by the Member of the Clergy to be competent and responsible, in the rights, duties, and responsibilities of marriage as embodied in the marriage vows." If we enter into marriage thinking only of rights, duties, and responsibilities, we won't last long. The proposed canon does go on to say, "the covenant of marriage is unconditional, mutual, exclusive, faithful, and lifelong." But even this offers nothing particularly Christian. Also, the proposed canon sets marriage in the context of just the vows, which are very brief, but one hopes that couples would be formed by the richness of the whole liturgy, not just a couple of sentences. Our current canon grounds marriage in the teaching "as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer." We should, I think, do the same for all couples.
Our current canon and prayer book service together offer a rich theological tapestry that I believe can (and should) support both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages. At a time in which marriage is increasingly counter-cultural, I think this is not a time to pull back from our drumbeat that marriage is a gift from God and that it is a sign and sacrament of Christ's love. Plus, I think it would make a lousy talking point to say, "Our marriage canon used to remind us about the love of the Lord, until we changed it to provide for same-sex marriage." Instead, let's retain the rich language to show ourselves and the world that it is one love of Jesus Christ which animates all Christian marriages.
I have been challenged to offer a better proposed canon, since I have voiced concern over the one that came from the Task Force on the Study of Marriage. Rather than invent the wheel here, I hope we will pass one of the resolutions below which offer a revision of the current canon, preserving our current teaching on the nature of marriage but also expanding provision for same-sex couples.
As I wrote before, I'm not sure the canon change is necessary, because General Convention can authorize liturgies without this change. However, if we are going to change the canon — and there are some compelling reasons to do that, I agree! — than let's do it in way that enriches marriage rather than diminishing our articulation of its blessings and promises.
Now, in all this, I do hope we will find some way to proceed with graciousness. There is a range of opinion on and experience with same-sex marriage. Too often in our conversations on marriage, we set up a straw person and respond to that person. Let's try to avoid that practice, and instead listen to one another with care and grace, even as we disagree. I'm not sure how that will affect our deliberation, but I believe it is what we are called to do.
There is no question, I think, that this General Convention will provide for same-sex marriage in the Episcopal Church, and for that I am very grateful. This will be a gift to me as a person married (to a woman) for over two decades, and I know it will be a gift to many thousands of others who seek God's blessing on their own marriages. What we can decide at this General Convention though, is how we expand our offering of God's blessing. There are questions about the mechanisms we use to change canons and liturgies. More important, there are choices to be made about our speech and our listening. Let us, in all things, show forth Christ's love.
With that very lengthy preface, here is my take on the marriage resolutions from dioceses. There are none from bishops, provinces, or deputies (as of now).
C007: Make Available Rite of Holy Matrimony. Full text. Likely vote: YES. but this won't make it out of committee.
Here's a short resolution, with only one resolve, "That the 78th General Convention take any and all steps necessary to make the Rite of Holy Matrimony available to same-sex couples throughout The Episcopal Church immediately." As I wrote above, there is a 100% chance of General Convention making available a same-sex marriage liturgy for the Episcopal Church. So this resolution is likely to be discharged as "already acted upon" near the end of convention, once the liturgy resolution has been approved. I generally am not a fan of resolutions like this which express intent, but which have no other effect. However, should it become necessary to vote, since I do hope General Convention will proceed in this direction, I would vote for this resolution, if amended. It would require amendment because even if the US Supreme Court declares same-sex marriage to be the law of the land in the US, there are other nations where same-sex marriage is not legal. We simply cannot provide same-sex marriage in nations where it is not legal, so we have to be careful about using phrases like "throughout the Episcopal Church."
C009: Make Available Rite of Holy Matrimony. Full text. Likely vote: YES. but this won't make it out of committee.
See C007, above, which is identical to this resolution.
C017: Liturgical Marriage Equality. Full text. Likely vote: NO, because there are better resolutions on these topics.
This resolution would authorize the SCLM liturgical material and also says that gendered terms such man, woman, husband, or wife "shall be equally applicable to two people of the same gender, and all gender-specific language shall be interpreted to be gender-neutral, and may thus be modified as necessary for the purposes of the said Canon, and of the said rites." It's an interesting short-cut to just declare this, but I think we should take the necessary further step and provide new rites and amend old ones — and changes canons, if we're doing that — to say what we are doing. I hope our yes will be yes with clarity. As for the first resolve, I'm not sure about the best way to authorize the liturgies, but as I indicated earlier, I think "trial use" is the best way to proceed, especially for Form 2.
C022: Amend Canon I.18 and Authorize Use of Liturgical Services. Full text. Likely vote: YES, if amended.
This resolution begins with the substance of C017 and continues to provide a revision for the marriage canon. As I wrote above, I don't find it helpful to make declarations about linguistic gender in current rites. Instead, let's amend our rites or provide new ones. Let's bring our action into the light of day.
I do really like their proposed canon change, amending the current marriage canon to replace "husband and wife" with "two people" throughout, and adding some phrases to cover the circumstance that not all jurisdictions in the Episcopal Church will have same-sex marriage. The declaration signed by the couple is retained, and the canon continues to ground our practice in the language of holy matrimony. If we're going to change our marriage canon, I think this is the way to do it.
C024: Amend Canon I.18. Full text. Likely vote: YES.
This is just the canon change from C022. If we're going to change our marriage canon, I think this is the way to do it.
C026 Amend Canon I.18. Full text. Likely vote: YES, if amended.
This resolution is identical to C022, with both liturgical authorization and a canon change. My response is therefore identical to C022, above.