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To sign in to Spark AR Studio:
To log out:
You can only use Spark AR Studio after signing into your Facebook account. Using your Facebook account makes it easier to:
Unless you start AR Studio by opening a .fbfxproj file, a new project will be set up for you when you start the program.
If you're already using AR Studio, click File in the top left of your screen and then select New.
You can edit or enable various properties for your project, such as:
To do this, click Project in the navigation bar and then select Edit Properties.
To save your project:
To help with your workflow, we've included some keyboard shortcuts.
In the Navigator and Inspector panels:
In the Viewport:
In the Simulator Window:
To delete something, right-click on it in the Scene panel and select Delete from the menu. It will no longer be part of your effect, but it will still be included in the project.
To completely remove something from the project, delete it from the Assets panel too.
To rename something:
How to resize something depends on the object you want to resize.
For rectangles and the canvas:
For all other objects:
You can also change the scale, rotation and position of objects in the Viewport directly, using the Manipulators.
Yes. You can change an object's properties so that, for example, it appears while the user is capturing the effect but does not appear in the final video or photo. To do this:
Both boxes can be checked at the same time.
To make an object track your face, you have to make it the child of a Face Tracker.
To do this:
Note: To insert objects as children of other objects directly, you can also right-click on the parent in the Scene tab, select Insert and then select the object you want to insert from the menu.
You can add more than one face tracker to a scene, but you can't add more than one to a face. You would add more than one face tracker if you wanted to track multiple faces within a scene.
The Viewport enables to you position, scale and rotate your objects in a 3D space, but it isn't an accurate preview of the output. That's why we have the Simulator Window.
The Simulator Window is a separate view for previewing the output of any changes you make in the Viewport and is an accurate representation of what the effect will look like on your device.
The Viewport and the Simulator Window are designed to be used in sync, but if you want to hide either one, you can.
Docking the Simulator Window will maximize it and hide the Viewport. To dock the Simulator Window, click on it to show the buttons and click the third one from the left.
To hide the Simulator window, go to View in the navigation bar and click Hide Simulator.
If you have more than one camera input available (a camera on a laptop and one on a connected monitor, for example) you can choose which one Spark AR Studio uses. To do this, long-press on Video in the Toolbar and select the camera you want to use from the menu.
To test the effects you build in Spark AR Studio on the Spark AR Player app, you'll need:
To test your effect:
You should now see the effect playing on the device.
Yes, if you're offline, you can still view effects that you mirrored with the Spark AR Player app previously.
The Send button in Spark AR Studio is only visible when a mobile device is connected to your computer via a USB cable.
This usually means Spark AR Studio is compressing textures in your project. You could consider disabling compression on your textures for initial testing.
To do this, check the box next to No Compression in each texture's properties. Make sure you uncheck this box before exporting your effect, and test compressed textures on a device during the creation process.
If you're having trouble previewing your effect with the Spark AR Player app, make sure:
What to do depends on whether there's a blue dot next to the Test on Device button or not.
If there is a blue dot next to the Upload button, Spark AR Studio can't detect Spark AR Player. Check that:
This means Spark AR Studio can't detect a connection to your phone. Make sure you've:
The Spark AR Player app stores a version of your effect whenever you go to the Spark AR Studio Toolbar and click Send under Send to Connected Device. This means you can view effects that you've previously mirrored on your device, without being connected to your computer or the Internet.
To toggle between versions of your effect:
When you choose the texture format, you are choosing to prioritize either file size or in-memory size. If you want a smaller effect file size, choose uncompressed. If you want a smaller in-memory size, choose ETC.
An uncompressed effect uses either a PNG or JPG image file. Using either one of these formats reduces the image file size when exporting the effect, but both of these files expand to the full raw image on loading.
ETC textures have a fixed compression ratio. This means that the image file can be larger than the equivalent PNG or JPG, but will be smaller than the full raw image. On loading, ETC textures remain the same size, which is smaller than the equivalent PNG or JPG.
To edit your export settings:
Note: You can also navigate to this tab by clicking Export in the Toolbar, then Export Options at the bottom of the window.
You can submit and publish effects to both Facebook and Instagram. Messenger is currently in closed beta - available to select partners only.
To report a bug in Spark AR Studio:
Or, click the bug button in the Menu bar.
When you're reporting the bug, make sure:
To report a bug in Spark AR Hub:
When you're reporting a bug, make sure:
If your problem is with either the test link or share link, please specify which.
You can easily report bugs straight from your device through 'Rage Shaking'. Once you've enabled 'Rage Shaking', all you need to do is shake your phone to report a bug.
To enable Rage Shaking, follow the instructions on this page.
Once you've enabled Rage Shaking, just shake your phone every time an effect doesn't work.
The more detail you include in your report, the easier it will be for us to fix the problem. Try to include:
The more detail you include in your report, the easier it will be for us to fix the problem. Try to include:
You can easily report bugs straight from your device by 'Rage Shaking'. Once you've enabled 'Rage Shaking', all you need to do is shake your phone to report a bug.
To enable Rage Shaking:
Instagram will ask if you want to enable Rage Shake. Once you've enabled it, just shake your phone every time an effect doesn't work.
Please first check that you are downloading Spark AR Studio from the correct URL.
If you are still having trouble downloading Spark AR Studio make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements. for Spark AR Studio.
The following hardware does not render Spark AR Studio correctly:
This is a known issue for creators using a Logitech WebCam Drivers which contain problematic DLLs. To fix this:
Your webcam will still work in other applications.
Only the default camera is supported. If you want to use a different camera, set it as the default camera in your system settings.
If you have more than one project open at the same time, the camera will only work in one of the projects. Switch to another video source instead.
If you change video source when the playback is paused, you won't see the first frame of the newly selected video source. Instead, you'll see the last frame of the video source that was playing when you clicked pause.
When you press Play, the newly selected video will start playing.
On some hardware, bundled videos flicker at the end of the loop.
When Spark AR Studio moves from an external display window, e.g. an external monitor, to an internal display, the video will continue to the final frame and then stop. Selecting the camera as an alternative video source will cause the video to be displayed upside down.
To stop this from happening, move the Spark AR Studio window to the internal display before you disconnect the external display.
Objects are imported in real world scale. This means they can appear very large or very small, depending on the units used to make them.
You can automatically scale objects on import to a size that will fit better in your Spark AR effect. To do this:
Or, change the scale of 3D objects using the Manipulators in the Toolbar or by adjusting their Scale value in the Inspector.
If you've moved or deleted files from the project directory, they'll be missing from your project. Replace the assets in the project folder.
To mirror your effect, you'll need to:
If you've followed these steps and you're mirroring an effect to an iOS device, you might still see a message that says 'No Mobile Devices Found'. This could be because you haven't installed iTunes onto your computer. Download and install iTunes", and try again.
If you're seeing error messages when attempting to start Spark AR Studio - for example 'MSVCP140.dll', 'CONCRT140.dll' or 'VCRUNTIME140.dll not found', install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Update 3.


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Wildlife group fighting Qld Govt over land clearing laws
WILDLIFE advocates are funding a campaign against the Queensland Government as new land-clearing laws sit ready to be passed by Parliament.
WWF Australia is running television and radio advertisements against the government, as it prepares to create laws allowing clearing for areas deemed "high-value agriculture".
Chief executive Dermot O'Gorman said Premier Campbell Newman was now the only one who could stop bushland being destroyed.
"We thought the bush was safe from bulldozers and before the election Mr Newman agreed," Mr O'Gorman said.
"But a few in his government now want to drag us back to slashing and burning.
"These laws protect some of our most precious wildlife habitats.
"If the proposals on the table are allowed to proceed, thousands of koalas and other animals will be at risk."
Farmers have supported the government's change, seeing it as a reduction in red tape as they manage their land.
Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps helped announce the plans in March, saying it was time to undo over-regulation created by the former government.
The plan includes allowing clearing for high-value agriculture and removal of regrowth regulations on freehold and indigenous land - that is, vegetation that has been growing unimpeded since the end of 1989.
It also creates self-assessable codes for weed and pest management and maps to show where regulations apply.
The laws may be considered when Queensland Parliament resumes on Tuesday.

subset: commoncrawl


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I am proud to share my hearing loss story and tips on Healthy Hearing.
"What is that noise?" I asked my family one quiet Sunday afternoon. They all looked around squinting as if that would help them hear it, but there was no sound. "It must be my tinnitus again," I sighed. It was starting to be a real nuisance.
Tinnitus, that pesky ringing in your ears, harasses more than 45 million Americans, according to the American Tinnitus Association, with nearly 20 million of them bothered on a regular basis. More tinnitus stats can be found on this handy infographic.
The unique experience of tinnitus
Tinnitus can impact anyone, but a 2010 article in The Journal of Medicine indicates it is most common in males, older adults, and former smokers. None of these categories apply to me, but I have struggled with tinnitus for over 20 years. There is currently no cure.
The word tinnitus is derived from the Latin word tinnire, which means "to ring," but it can take on other sounds as well. Some describe it as a buzzing or a humming. Others as a sizzling or a hissing. For me, it is most often an electrical hum — like the sound of a fluorescent light coming on — followed by a steady high-pitched tone. This can last for several minutes.
Meditation in coping with tinnitus
The only way I have found sustained relief from tinnitus is through daily meditation, which I discovered almost by accident. I regularly practice yoga, but had never tried meditation in any meaningful way, until I attended a yoga retreat a couple years ago. Intermixed with the yoga classes were afternoon tutorials on meditation.
There were only three rules.
Click here to continue reading on Healthy Hearing.
Living With Hearing Loss is also on Facebook and Twitter!
Never miss a post. Sign up for email alerts below.


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LOS ANGELES — Hillside residents fortified their defenses and began fleeing mud-besieged homes Tuesday as fire and police crews staged dramatic water rescues ahead of an even worse storm system expected to hit Southern California in the early hours of Wednesday.
More rain, hail, gusts up to 65 mph and possibly even twisters were forecast. Virtually the entire state has been affected by the storms that began Friday, dumping moisture from far Northern California south to San Diego.
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Authorities began evacuations late Tuesday as concern grew about potential mudslides in the wildfire-scarred foothills across the southern part of the state.
Officials ordered evacuation of 232 homes in La Canada Flintridge and La Crescenta, foothill suburbs of Los Angeles, because of forecasts of more heavy rains on already saturated mountainsides.Story: Flood washes away 4 Ariz. homes
San Diego police also ordered evacuations of about a dozen homes in the city's Carmel Valley area and a commuter rail station in Sorrento Valley because of heavy rains, but no damage was reported, police spokeswoman Lt. Andra Brown said.
A mudslide closed one street in the La Jolla area of San Diego.
Other inconveniences have so far been relatively minor: Rescuers had to pluck some stranded motorists from rain-swollen creeks. Shoppers dodged puddles while buying last-minute Christmas gifts. Disney resorts canceled a plan to shower visitors with artificial snow.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Tulare counties, NBC New reported.
"We'll keep our fingers crossed, but the more rain that comes, the possibility of mudslides is definitely real," said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County sheriff's office, which has rescued nine people from the flooding in the past 24 hours.
"We've been lucky so far, but I'm not sure how much longer the luck will hold out," he said.
The National Weather Service predicted an even fiercer storm would roll into Southern California by 2 a.m., bringing 2 to 8 inches of rain in most areas and up to 10 inches in some mountains. Storm conditions are expected to last six to eight hours.
By Tuesday, more than 12 inches of rain already had fallen in parts of the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, and 13 feet of snow has accumulated at Mammoth Mountain ski resort in the Sierra Nevada.
Mud debris flow detected
A swath of Los Angeles suburbs along the foothills below the steep San Gabriel Mountains are at risk of debris flows — potentially devastating flash floods carrying boulders, trees and soil — after a 2009 wildfire that stripped vegetation off 250 square miles of the Angeles National Forest. More than 40 homes in the foothills were damaged or destroyed during a February storm.
Geologist Susan Cannon said remote monitoring sites in the Station Fire burn area were picking up the beginnings of a debris flow about three feet deep a mile up the Arroyo Seco, a watercourse the flows out of the mountain range. The flow consisted of rocks and mud and vegetation, she said.
If the next wave of the storm creates rainfall of an inch an hour or more, the area could be in danger of a significant mudslides or debris flow, said Cannon, who has studied the risk of a slide at the Station Fire site extensively as an employee of the U.S. Geological Survey.
"It means that once the heaviest rains start, it should be a very active time up there," she said.
Downtown Los Angeles had received 5.77 inches of rain since Friday morning, more than a third of the average annual precipitation.
In Kern County, where authorities evacuated 2,000 residents, a fire department spokesman said 400 to 500 homes were in danger of flooding, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Times reported that December could become Southern California's wettest on record, noting that Los Angeles also experienced its hottest day on record in late September with temperatures hitting 113 degrees F.Weather.com: Get the latest California storm forecasts
'Crush the record'
Bill Patzert, a climatologist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., warned the worst rain was still to come.
"What we've seen so far is the preliminary event. Tuesday and Wednesday is the main event," he told the Times. "I think we're going to crush the record for December. I think there's going to be a new champ."
Jamie Meier, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, told the Times the region got "a bad rap when it comes to having boring weather."
"But we've had quite a varied season, from record-breaking heat to getting a heavily front-loaded rainfall year," she added.
In Orange County, officials Tuesday rescued four hikers missing since Monday night in a flooded canyon in the Cleveland National Forest. Rescuers used a bulldozer Monday night to retrieve five other people who became stranded by the rain-swollen Trabuco Creek.
In San Bernardino County, a 29-year-old woman was rescued from her pickup truck Monday night after being swept away in a rain-swollen creek.
The Times reported that the woman used her cell phone to call for help when the water filled her cab up to the dashboard.
Partner links
"She did the right thing. She stayed in her cab and dialed 911," Tracey Martinez, of San Bernardino County Fire Department, told the Times. "It was pretty scary."
"She's very lucky she had cell phone coverage in that area. She is a very fortunate woman," she added.
The paper reported the truck was pushed down the creek for about quarter of a mile, where it got stuck on an island. Rescuers fired a line with a harpoon-like gun, one went across with a helmet and life vest and the woman was pulled to safety nearly four hours after her car was caught in the water.
Outages and other messes
Nearly 21,000 Southern California Edison customers were without power early Tuesday due to the storm.
The hardest-hit area was the city of Torrance, south of Los Angeles, with more than 4,600 outages.
In the Wrightwood area, about 15 people were evacuated Monday night after a creek overflowed and threatened homes. At least three homes sustained water damage.
About 40 residents of the San Joaquin Valley farming community of McFarland were briefly evacuated Monday morning.
Elsewhere, an eight-mile stretch of Highway 1 in Ventura County remained closed Tuesday due to rockslides. Some 20 miles had been shut down Sunday for the same reason. And Highway 1 also was closed for a time in Orange County by a mudslide at Dana Point.
Dodging puddles
Unaccustomed to driving and dressing for so much rain, Southern California residents tried to go about their business — creeping on the freeways, dodging puddles downtown and doing last minute holiday shopping.
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The rain also dampened vacationers' plans. Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure canceled the daily fireworks and artificial snow that mark the resort's big holiday season, said Suzi Brown, park spokeswoman.
The rain also dampened vacationers' plans. Disneyland, and Disney's California Adventure canceled the daily fireworks and artificial snow that mark the resort's big holiday season, said Suzi Brown, park spokeswoman.
The Affleck family traveled from Queensland, Australia, to vacation in Southern California with their two daughters. On Tuesday, they spent the day doing laundry and drying out their shoes after getting soaked during three days at Disneyland and a day at Universal Studios.
"The rain's been terrible. We still have to make the best of it, but it's hard," said Teresa Affleck, mother of 20-year-old Caitlyn and 17-year-old Heidi. "A lot of the seating and eating areas are outdoors and it's been very wet and cold."
For all the perils of the torrential rains, there was a silver lining: The water is expected to help ease the effects of years of drought. Thursday is expected to be dry, with sunshine. There will be light rain on Christmas Day in parts of California.
© 2013 msnbc.com


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Video: Making a Primitive Knife out of Elk or Deer Bone
OutdoorHub 03.21.16
Got some spare deer or elk bones laying around? Historically, deer and elk bones are great for crafting tools, such as this primitive-looking bone knife. The blade itself comes from an elk leg bone, cut and ground to a fairly sharp edge, while the handle is deer antler wrapped with elk sinew, pine pitch, charcoal, and processed plant fiber. It may not be the most efficient of knives, but if you have a few tools and want to make some use out of those bones you have lying around, this is one method.
Just be aware that bone is a relatively delicate material, so bone knives are typically used for slicing fish and game. You will not want to do anything rough—like batonning—on a bone blade.


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Lost Your Keys or Experiencing a Faulty Lock?
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The disparity of Black women dying of breast cancer to White women is disturbing!
Black Women Are More Likely To Die Of Breast Cancer Than White Women
Via The Grio:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women are.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women, but the CDC's Ileana Arias says black women have "unacceptably high" death rates. She says they have the "highest death rates from breast cancer among all racial and ethnic groups."
Arias says many lives could be saved each year with proper screening and treatment, stressing the importance of educating black women to coverage provided by the new health care law, including mammograms without co-pays in many health plans.
Early detection is critically important, especially for women at higher risk. For Black women who have been diagnosed at the earliest stage of breast cancer when the tumor is small and localized, early diagnosis can make a difference.
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Billie Holiday
This postcard from the US Postal Services depicts their Billie Holiday stamp, issued in 1994 as part of a series of stamps called "Legends of American Music, Volume Two". The first-class domestic letter rate from 1991-1994 was 29 cents; it would go up to 32 cents on January 1, 1995, giving this stamp a particularly short shelf-life.
Don't forget that rates are going up across the board on January 22. Domestic postcard rates have been 29 cents since last April; they'll be going up to 32 cents. Domestic letters increase from 44 cents to 45 cents, but if you have "Forever" stamps, they'll work forever, no matter what you originally paid for them.


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NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Yale University is planning panel discussions involving leading experts on the economy and the election.
The public panels will be held Wednesday and Nov. 1 in Levinson Auditorium of Yale Law School. Yale President Richard C. Levin will moderate.
The panel on Wednesday will focus on taxes, spending and the economics of health care.
Experts include Alan Auerbach, a law and economics professor at UC Berkeley who served as deputy chief of staff on the U.S. Joint Committee on Taxation; Michael Graetz, a law professor at Yale and Columbia who served as first deputy assistant secretary for tax policy and assistant secretary and special counsel for the U.S. Department of Treasury; and Amanda Kowalski, assistant professor at Yale and faculty research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research.


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Bullseye Royal Blue Bell & Dee Cups
Product Description
Handcrafted in Morocco
These modern Moroccan Safi tea cups in the traditional Beldi shape make a whimsical addition to any kitchen. Whether for wine, water, tea or individual flower arrangements, these will add style to any table setting! Handmade in Safi, Morocco.
Set of 2
3" x 4"
About the Brand
Séverine and Stacie founded Atelier Boemia in 2014 because they believe everyone has the right to choose for themselves, earn for themselves and be well educated. A portion of profits is donated back to local programs funding education, work programs and infrastructure improvements in every market from which they source products.


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Sitting on our refrigerator are pics of all the kiddos that have come through our home; the one in particular that has held the most heartache for us is a sweet girl that stayed with us for 18 months & who ,other than one very painful time, we have yet to see again. But that's foster care isn't it; the story doesn't always turn out how you'd like it too?
However in our home now is a equally as sweet (though highly energetic & sometimes sassy ) girl that shares the same birthday & name with the girl we lost.
To be very honest she can be hard at times because trauma is a beast. The thing about that though that's beautiful is she understands loss & the one thing foster kids & foster parents share is definently loss. We know what it's like to be separated from someone you love. We know what it's like to have your heart broke & no answers to the why's that go through your head.
But to combat that pain in her I take my finger to her forehead almost every night & gently rub between her eyes, praying that Jesus would take the bad thoughts & pain away & whispering as much truth as I can into that girl.
Well after an especially hard day last week she goes to lil misses picture, closes her eyes and starts to make the sign of the cross on her forward and says these words over her…"God protect her and may she always remember how very loved she was in this house".
What she & I didn't know was that a couple of days later I'd get some news that would kinda knock me right back into that pain of lil miss leaving and all the confusion of why we don't see her now, but when the tears started to subside I remembered this….. a girl, broken herself, anointing our other girl with her words & the only thing that both breaks & heals… the cross. And a moment of grace poured out before I even knew I needed it.
Truth is I may never see little miss again & I may never know why, but in losing her I've gained insight into the heart of every little one that comes into our home. Into the heart of our girl now whose faced far more loss than us.
And inevitably it's these things, her story and ours, that become our own cross…. these things that both break and heal us but that are ripe to become a glory story.
And it's these small moments when darkness retreats and He shines brightest that we're all really fighting for. Because it might not turn out how you'd like it too but we can piece together something beautiful out of these stories.
So how about you? What's your glory story? If you've got one share it!!


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Choucroute Bread Pudding
Recipe By: Grace Parisi Let this bread pudding take the place of the stuffing at your Thanksgiving table.
Yields: 12
Total Time: 2 hours 0 mins
1 1 1/2-pound loaf sourdough bread or 2 baguettes
1 meaty ham hock (about 2 pounds)
3 thyme sprigs plus 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
2 garlic cloves
1 bay leaf
6 c. water
1/2 lb. meaty slab bacon
1/2 lb. andouille sausages
1 large onion
1 c. dry white wine
1 1/2 c. drained sauerkraut
3/4 tsp. caraway seeds
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 c. Rich Turkey Stock or low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 large eggs
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Spread the bread on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly crisp. Let cool; transfer to a large bowl.
- In a large saucepan, combine the ham hock, thyme sprigs, garlic, bay leaf and water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the hock meat is very tender, about 1 1/4 hours. Remove the hock from the saucepan; pull off and coarsely shred the meat and discard the fat. Strain the broth and skim off the fat. You should have about 2 cups of the ham broth.
- Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, cook the bacon and andouille over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meats to a plate. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat in the skillet. Add the onion and chopped thyme to the skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and cook until almost evaporated, about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Return the bacon and sausage to the skillet. Add the shredded hock meat, sauerkraut and caraway seeds and cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 1 cup of the ham broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted. Add the mixture in the skillet to the bread cubes and toss to combine. Add the remaining 1 cup of ham broth and the Rich Turkey Stock and toss. Season with salt and pepper and let cool, then stir in the eggs. Generously butter a shallow 3-quart baking dish. Spread the stuffing in the dish in an even layer. Cover with buttered foil.
- Bake the bread pudding for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is cooked through and the top is crisp.
- Make Ahead: The baked bread pudding can be refrigerated for up 2 days. Bring the bread pudding to room temperature and reheat before serving.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
More From Recipes


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Apparently I didn't.
Years ago before I was married I lived in my own apartment and I generally kept it quite clean, which really wasn't that difficult since it was so small. What I did do though, was when in a rush I would just toss my jeans on the chest at the end of the bed. This would be a pair of jeans that I had worn once or twice, still basically clean and I knew I would be wearing them the next day.
One morning I had to go for a CAT scan at the hospital, and being in a rush I just threw on the jeans I had worn the day before. My boyfriend (now husband) picked me up and drove me to the hospital, and since we were running late, he dropped me off in front. All of a sudden whilst running across the front lawn, I felt something odd in my pant leg. Still running, I shook my leg and felt something fall out. I turned my head to look what was on the ground – it was my underpants that I had worn the day before. They had been stuck in the pant leg. Now laying there on the bright green grass was a white pair of panties for all to see. What to do, do I turn around and pick them up? I looked around to see if anyone was looking, then I looked at the panties, then I did the only thing I could think of, I resumed running only faster, leaving the white panties on the green grass.
Moral of the story, always check the pant legs of your jeans before wearing them outside.
What would you have done, pick the panties up or leave them on the grass for all to see?


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Hard to know where to take this post and I've polled opinion of friends to make sure I don't go overboard. I think Arsenal fans are in the brace position, you're in the car with granddad post Christmas, he's been drinking and he's just asked you to hold his beer as he attempts to drive in the ice. You kind of know where this is going, but you can't be sure…
Will the weekend be the thud into the neighbours wall? Or will it be the tonic to a 2 game spree of which 3 points would be a pretty healthy return?
Who knows.
I don't have time for a full-blown dissection, but some points that are worth bringing up here.
Top Teams Away
That was our second game away from home against a top half of the table team. The first we went to a dejected United and made them look like a cohesive modern team that could win things. Yesterday, we went to an Everton side that were; if not for the opening part of the season, been classified as 'IN CRISIS', we went there in incredible form and managed to lose to a team that had recorded 1 win in 10. That's not good news. Once again, we're the season page turner for a team playing badly.
Is our early season form a lie? Or more to the point, par the course because we were playing poor teams? Big question that'll be answered this weekend when we'll either wither and die at City, or we'll blossom and everyone will be waving 'SIGN DA TING' Wenger flag.
Ok, ok, you knew I couldn't resist mentioning this, but Arsene Wenger is not the master of keeping his players fresh for the vital games. He blew a huge opportunity to leave his star names at home last week for Basel. Instead he sent them to tank a shite team to go for an overly vicious win. Sure, we topped the group, but it wasn't worth it in the end because we drew Bayern. More to the point here, we should have been able to win that game with a second string side. Or at least a hybrid that switched out key names that have played a lot of minutes.
Ramifications are you have two plane journeys, you have your players getting home at 3am, getting a poor nights sleep and an interrupted recovery… then we played Stoke on Saturday, again, the standard first team with no rested players. Then we play an Everton side, with a backline that's been in pieces this season, ripe for a beasting with a high energy powerful attacking display and we don't have the energy.
Same issue will likely be present for Sunday. Players sat on a coach for 4 hours last night, get home late, go to training today and tomorrow, probably get slammed, then they have to head up on a coach again (maybe it's a plane), and Wenger will play exactly the same side again and we'll likely be flat.
I've been on Ozil's back a little bit this season. As I pointed out, there's been a sacrifice of his productivity this season. He's taking more shots and creating 2.5 less chances per game. We've lost his main benefit for a slight increase in shots. Outside the loss of his assist game, he dropped another tepid performance in a big game. He missed some absolute sitters and watching him literally walk away from the ball for the Ashley Williams winner was unbelievable. He didn't fancy it. Not the first time we've seen that.
Sure, there are arguments here that he shouldn't be defending a corner, but look, this is a team game and you have to put a shift in at all times, regardless of how silly it is that you're marking a beast of a centre back. This goes back to my point earlier in the week, he is a sublime talent, but that edge you need to be a dominant superstar just doesn't seem to be there. He doesn't have that nasty bite Bergkamp did, who is the most comparable as a 'quiet' player. You can say I don't get it because I'm not enlightened by the Church of Oziltology, but look, once again, when we needed our superstar to show up, he slinked into a shallow puddle.
The difference between £180k a week £300k a week.
As I said in yesterday's post, you can pretend things aren't real when you're winning. We kind of ignored the defensive fragility that's crept into our game this season. We've conceded a lot of chances against some pretty average teams. Stoke and Ludogorets did well against us, factor in that we've not kept a clean sheet in 11 games, and well, the writing was on the wall that we'd be punished at some point. That happened yesterday when we were caught napping twice. We need to shape up for City, we don't have the advantage of a fresh team, so battering them back with an agressive press is out of the question, so we're going to have to hope we're solid in the middle of the park and at the back. A tough ask when the gormless Gabriel is paired in there.
… but look, we've scored more goals by this point of the season, we were celebrating a deep squad just last week and there are certainly improvements to stay excited about. Let's not throw the towel in a few days after Leicester spanked City 4-2. The league is hard, all the clubs have very good players nowadays and there are no easy games. We can still have a good season, we can still challenge, we just have to deal with this setback like adults and win back the points at the weekend.
My only worry is this is a familiar pattern and a predictable one. Running out of juice in December, not have that extra spark and not having enough tactically at the very highest level when you need it.
Let's hope this was a blip, not a confirmation that Wenger isn't cut out to win big trophies in a more sophisticated footballing world.
P.S. The Rams fired their coach because performance didn't match expectations. I mean, he's a terrible coach, but is this Stan delivering on his, 'you know what, winning things is fun', comment? Would be nice to know that if Wenger doesn't perform this year, there will be a consequence of sorts. One can hope.


text: Hello, my name is Dakota Creed. I graduated from Montana State University in 2017 with a degree in Business Management & Economics. After graduating I decided to move back to Washington and recently began my exciting career with Ro Health. When I'm not working in Tacoma, WA at our Therapy Division, I am spending my free time with friends and family. I enjoy music and will often fill my weekends going to different concerts and traveling to see my favorite artists perform. Cooking is also a passion of mine so please don't hesitate to tell me about the latest recipes or food you have enjoyed!


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Listen to the program "Elektroniskt i P2" from Sunday 11th of May. The program is the best in Swedish National Radio when it comes to electronic music and "Fiesta con Anaya" by Anna Gavanas was aired for the first time last Sunday. The full EP Malaga Nights by Gavana will be released in a month (11th of June).
Listen to "Elektroniskt i P2" from the 11th of May here.


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About Our Program
It's no accident that INCOSE's SEP certification program and OMG's OCSMP are complementary - they were planned that way from the beginning. The INCOSE SEP certification program provides comprehensive coverage of Systems Engineering knowledge, experience, and leadership. Augmenting this, OCSMP tests SysML and MBSE knowledge and skills. Together, they cover the whole of today's Systems Engineering problem and solution space, maximizing the value of the SEP and OCSMP certifications to the professional who acquires both.
To encourage candidates to acquire both organizations' certifications, holders of a certification from one organization receive discounts on their certifications from the other. To maximize the visibility of candidates' dual certification, both INCOSE's lists of Systems Engineering Professionals and OMG's Certified Professionals Directory will list both INCOSE's SEP and OMG's OCSMP certifications for candidates who hold both. Read on for details:
INCOSE's SEP CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
In 2004 INCOSE introduced its Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) program. The INCOSE SEP offers three levels of recognition that align well with typical Systems Engineering career levels. Through an application, evaluation, and examination process, INCOSE grants qualified system engineers the status of INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). In July 2008, INCOSE introduced an entry-level Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) credential. The ASEP focuses on Systems Engineering knowledge via an examination. In 2010, INCOSE introduced a senior-level Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) credential. In addition to significant Systems Engineering experience, the ESEP utilizes an oral review process to determine if the leadership and accomplishment criteria have been met.
OMG's OCSMP CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
OMG's four-level OCSMP certification program emphasizes SysML knowledge and skills, extending beyond the language itself to touch on more general aspects of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Comprising four levels structured to align with industry job tasks and roles, the program builds on a Model User certification designed for project participants who must read and interpret SysML diagrams to do their work but do not create nor modify them. Building on this (for all lower-level certifications are prerequisite for levels above) are three Model-Builder certifications: Fundamental, Intermediate, and Advanced. Based on the same subset of SysML (termed the "basic feature set") as the Model User exam, Model Builder-Fundamental covers the essentials of model building; Intermediate extends to cover the rest of the language along with more sophisticated modeling skills. Advanced topics covered in the last exam include customization of SysML, metamodeling, integration, and aspects of tools and methodologies.
To receive your 10% discount on INCOSE's SEP examinations:
Complete a standard INCOSE application form (Form 1A for ASEP, Form 1 for CSEP, Form 41 for ESEP) that includes your contact information, your OMG/Pearson VUE Candidate ID, the level of OMG OCSMP certification you hold (OCSMP-MU100, OCSMP-MBF200, OCSMP-MBI300, or OCSMP-MBA400), and any other information required on the form for the level you are pursuing. Submit to INCOSE at email@example.com. Pay for your application online via the secure payment page on the INCOSE certification website, including the 10% savings off of the applicable application fee (note that there is no reduction to the exam fee that is paid to Prometric each time the exam is taken.) INCOSE will confirm your OMG certification status and that the primary contact information (first and last names, organization or company, city, state/province, country, and email address) in your OMG/Pearson VUE record exactly matches your INCOSE registration (and, if you already hold an INCOSE certification, that it matches your INCOSE record also) and send you back an exam authorization code. Be sure the primary contact information you provide to INCOSE is exactly the same as the corresponding information you used to register with OMG. If it's not, follow the instructions under Viewing and Updating your Contact Information, below.
To receive your 10% discount on OMG's OCSMP examinations:
Fill in and submit this application form. It asks for your primary contact information (first and last names, organization or company, city, state/province, country, and email address) and the level of INCOSE certification you hold (ASEP, CSEP, or ESEP), along with its dates and numbers. If you also hold any OMG certifications, fill in the requested information about them too. OMG will confirm your INCOSE certification status and that the primary contact information you provided exactly matches your INCOSE registration (and, if you already hold an OMG certification, that it matches your OMG record also) and email you back a personal voucher number. When you register with Pearson VUE to take an OCSMP examination, you'll enter the voucher number during payment and be credited with your 10% discount. You'll be able to use the same number for all of your OCSMP examinations (yes, including re-takes if you need any). Be sure the information you provide to OMG is exactly the same as the information you used to register with INCOSE, and the same that you used (or will use) to register with Pearson VUE. Note that the Pearson VUE candidate registry holds two addresses; it's OK to list your conforming address in the second position if you prefer to have Pearson VUE contact you at a different location. To view and update your contact information, follow the instructions under Viewing and Updating your Contact Information in the next section on this page.
Viewing and Updating your Contact Information
The primary contact information - your first and last names, organization or company, city, state/province, country, and email address - in your INCOSE record and OMG/Pearson VUE record must match exactly in order to qualify you for our program discount and dual listings. Your organization or company field and state/province field may be blank but, if the field is blank in one record, it must be blank in the other as well. If you've moved since you registered with one program or the other, a common occurrence if you work on contract and registered using an office address, you'll have to update your record(s) so that both are current, correct, and identical.
To view or change the contact information on your INCOSE record, if you're an INCOSE member, go to http://www.incose.org and click on the View/Update Member Record link on the left. Log in using your INCOSE Connect username and password. If you're not a member of INCOSE, you'll have to call their administrative offices at +1 858-541-1725 during business hours, US Pacific time, to change the contact information in your record.
To view or change the contact information on your OMG/Pearson VUE record, go to http://pearsonvue.com/omg/, access the My Account page using the menu button in the list on the right, and log in with your Pearson VUE username and password. Then click on Update Profile in the list on the left.
To receive dual recognition:
If your primary contact information (first and last names, organization or company, city, state/province, country, and email address) is listed identically with INCOSE and OMG/Pearson VUE, you don't have to do anything to receive dual listings in both the INCOSE lists of Systems Engineering Professionals and the OMG Certified Professionals Directory. OMG and INCOSE compare names of newly-certified SEPs and OCSMPs on a regular basis, identify dual-certified professionals, and add their SEP credentials to the OMG listing and OCSMP to their INCOSE listing. If you pass the exam for a higher level of certification, we'll notice and list that automatically too. Note that the OMG Certified Professionals Directory is opt-in; OMG will add your INCOSE credential to their database automatically but it will only show up if you've enabled posting in their system. If you're dual-certified but not listed and it's been more than a month (or you're just growing impatient), and you think we didn't notice, you can request dual recognition by filling in and submitting the web form here.
Summing Up:
INCOSE and OMG are pleased to offer this program, and hope you will take advantage. As the field of Systems Engineering makes increasing use of technological advances, our certifications encourage professionals to increase their knowledge and hone their skills as our listings encourage companies to seek out and hire or reward these engineers.
If you have any questions about this program, you can address them to INCOSE at email@example.com or to OMG at firstname.lastname@example.com .
OCUP, OCRES, OCEB and OCSMP are joint programs of the OMG and the UML Technology Institute (UTI)


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25th Anniversary Interview: Jennifer Tatsuda, NCC Business Manager
What is your relationship with NCC?
I am the Business Manager at NCC. I am also a donor, a supporter of ceramic artists through purchases, and have taken a few classes, although it has been awhile since I was a student.
Why did you get involved initially?
The first experiences involved taking my children to the gallery when NCC was located on University Avenue in St. Paul. After NCC moved to Minneapolis, my children were old enough to take summer clay camps. Then, a good friend, Monica Rudquist, told me about a job opportunity that she thought would be a good fit, so I applied for the position at NCC.
What was the most surprising thing that happened during your work with NCC?
It has really opened my eyes to a whole new world from both the business and arts perspective. In the beginning, I learned more about the structure of a non-profit organization and its unique sources of revenue, and my responsibilities as Business Manager. I was also exposed to the clay community, locally and nationally. Over the years, I have learned about clay process, raw materials, artists, history, and of the variety of uses of clay. I loved the RAW exhibition of unfired clay. There is always something new to discover.
What was the most gratifying thing that happened? What pleased you the most?
I feel good about where I started and where I am now. I have a level of comfort with my involvement and a confidence about my contributions to NCC. It has been great to witness the strengths of the organization, the many ways it connects people to ceramics, and to see the commitment to the greater ceramics community. I have enjoyed seeing people get introduced to clay and just get swept into exploring it further. There are so many ways people can get involved at the Clay Center and learn so much because the community is so welcoming. It is wonderful to see it happen time and time again.
What do you think might be different in ten years?
There is so much change in the way people get information and new technology is always being introduced. The possibilities for artists are huge. Even with constant change, I hope the physical connection between people and the medium remains strong. It is important to see the work, seek out the maker if possible, ask questions, and to enjoy using the ceramic work. Part of my appreciation comes from understanding the process to get to the end result. An individual can only get so much information from an image; they too have to see the work.
In ten years, I hope the field is still focused on the people and the process of using clay to make ceramic work; and NCC will continue to bring them together.
Any funny stories to share?
During NCC's 20th Anniversary, I had been on staff for 5+ years. Before the opening reception, I had volunteered to give several artists a ride from the MIA to their hotel and all of the sudden, I was in a car with Val Cushing, Ron Meyers and his wife, Hester Meyers, and Patti Warashina. After hearing about these Regis Master artists and admiring their work, there I was! The ride was spent with the artists reminiscing, telling stories, poking fun at each other, and it was a little rambunctious, so it was a fun moment to be a part of. I guess I get to live vicariously when surrounded by these and other great ceramic artists.


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The Cultural Significance Of Video Games
Level designer and blogger Steve Gaynor has made a superbly inflammatory statement on his site, Fullbright, that "videogames will never become a significant form of cultural discourse". He goes on to say, "I'll bet you that fifty years from now they'll be just as mature and well-respected as comic books are today." (Those chomping at the bit at this remark will be relieved to learn it's addressed below).
There has been an interesting reaction from other gaming writers. Newsweek's excellent games reporter, N'Gai Croal, has been inspired to write a series of essays, reflecting on Gaynor's post, and that of another response by The Plush Apocalypse's Borut Pfeifer.
Croal's first post responds to Gaynor's assertion that videogames are limited by the potential audience's lack of previous experience with gaming, and for want of a better term, lack of formal training (as one might receive for reading or film viewing). Croal contends,
"This is certainly a legitimate comparison, but it neglects the amount of time, money and effort that it takes to teach a child to read. Ditto for the number of hours we all spent in our youth consuming a variety of moving images, which enabled us to develop the visual literacy required to understand a modern movie or TV show. If children spent the same amount of time playing videogames as they did learning to read or learning to watch, the maligned-by-comparison-to-the-Wii-Remote Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 controllers would be second nature to most people."
But the meat of the discussion comes when investigating the notion that gaming will never achieve significant cultural discourse. Refreshingly, he avoids approaching the subject suggesting that videogames are incapable of being culturally discoursive. And as such, we escape needing to wallow through the tired, and frankly embarrassing grounds of people name-checking the four or five games we've commonly accepted to be "highbrow". Rather, Gaynor is stating that they simply won't.
The very nature of interactive games bars them from ever truly gaining mass acceptance, and therefore mass cultural relevance. The strength of video games, what makes them unique, interesting, and affecting, is that they engage in a dialogue with each individual player. They ask you to invest yourself in the experience, to explore and understand the logic of their gameworld, and to activate the experience by doing. Video games require you to be involved, to take responsibility for your actions onscreen. They expect more out of you than film, television, the internet or a book does. You get from video games what you're willing to put in. The audience at large only wants to take.
The bulk of Croal's first response is addressing Gaynor's continuing arguments, about infantilisation and marginalisation. But I wonder whether it's an impossible task to deal with Gaynor's essay. He constantly moves the goalposts, changing the focus of 'blame' for gaming's apparent ghettoisation, from their complexity, to their infancy, to their infantilisation, to their lack of ambitition, to their fear of being themselves. All are valid areas to explore, but here Gaynor seems to leap from one to the next without having justified the last.
As Croal points out, a lot of it comes down to a "glass is half empty" position. Gaynor offers no hope for games, rather concluding that they will remain marginalised forever. But as Croal observes in his second post,
"Popular fiction generally outsells literary fiction. Summer blockbusters generally out-gross arthouse films. Is this any different from, say, Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat out-NPD-ing BioShock last year, or Madden doing the same to Shadow of the Colossus in 2005?"
Gaming is already mainstream. The problem just isn't marginalisation. It's simply that the crap will always outsell the emotionally and semiotically complex. In fact, gaming often gets a far better deal! Sure, it's miserably depressing to see a TV quiz show-based game outselling everything else at Christmas, but as much as we might like to berate EA for milking The Sims franchise to a rubbery, drooping sac, The Sims is a brilliant game. (Not one I particularly enjoy, I should add, but still a brilliant one. Much the same, I'm writing this while my housemates watch Old Boy – a fantastic film I'd really rather never have watched, nor want to watch again – liking something isn't always necessary for recognising its achievement).
Similarly, Gaynor's assertion that, "like comics, video games are never going to grow up", betrays his gloom-overriding-the-evidence outlook. I need not repeat Croal's immediately obvious points about the extraordinarily grown up, rich, and culturally significant nature of so many popular comics, and indeed that of so many games. I don't question for a second that too many games are far too infantile, either due to poor developers or fearful publishers, but this in no way implies the medium's inability to be culturally or emotionally complex. Of course, we're once more wandering dangerously close to the embarrassing position of naming the few that manage this – that's simply denial. Games are capable of it, and occasionally demonstrate it, but it would be ludicrous to pretend that it was the norm. The point remains, Gaynor's statement is incorrect now, as much as it will be in the fifty years ahead he projects.
Borut Pfeifer writes a similarly focused and intricate response to Gaynor's "bet". Taking the wager, he approaches the subjects Gaynor raises one by one, presenting the half-full perspective of the current situation. I think he captures my perspective of the debate when he says,
"The larger problem though, that I often get frustrated with, is that game developers on average just aren't interested in making anything that says something meaningful about the world around us. Even really smart folks, good friends, lots of people, just have no interest in it. That is the one thing I am perhaps least confident will change. Even if games diverge from simple adolescent male power fantasy to wider range of "fun" topics, that doesn't mean there will be many games that seek to provide insight into human nature."
(There's another part of Pfeifer's response I want to address. He says,
"If you read Rock, Paper, Shotgun, among other review sites, they'll often complain about the dumbing down of games, especially for consoles compared to PC games. Which, in a larger context, I think is reflective of this trend towards improving accessibility. I find when there are vocal proponents to opposite sides of an argument, typically everything is preceeding as well as could be expected."
For the record, I don't believe the four of us at RPS have argued that games are dumbed down when they are made more accessible. We're capable of being clumsy-hooved idiots with the rest of them, and accessibility is a joyful thing. I can't immediately recall any "dumbing down" complaints on the site, while I'm sure there have been some, so I'll speak only for myself here. If I were to be complaining about "dumbing down", it would be parsing gaming through a lens of base stupidity, treating them as if they are only for a drunken, post-club audience of horny men. They ARE for these people, absolutely, and joyfully so. But this isn't the extent of their ambition and scope, and the behaviour of publishers who see things this way strikes me a significant problem in the battle against infantilisation.)
I think there is a missed target in all of this. I think we, the gaming press, and we, the gamers, expect far too little of games. BioShock was a great game, but really, its commentary was a pamphlet. And yet it was heralded as an intellectual goliath. Of course there was a backlash to this – no, most of us won't have read Ayn Rand, and will learn something. But it isn't good enough for the adulation it receives. However, it's a perspective thing, and when compared to the rest, we feel we've no choice but to get excited. "Good grief, this one tried!" I stress again, I thought BioShock was an excellent game, but one with a poor narrative structure, and many failed ambitions.
And at entirely the opposite end, I think we expect far too much of games. We do not lament Scrabble for its lack of Brechtian estrangement. We enjoy playing Mousetrap because the pieces go plonky plonky plonk and then the diver falls in the cup. Games so often should be visceral fun. I think that once we relax and let games be this, we'll perhaps develop the confidence to let other games aim higher, and achieve more, without feeling the need to pretend they're our Citizen Kane.
But with GDC almost upon us, I don't think I've ever felt such a buzz of intelligent people demanding intelligent discussion about intelligent gaming. I think now, more than ever before, gaming is ready to make a push into a smarter, more culturally significant place. I think accessibility is key, but I think we have a generation near-fluent in gaming's grammar, that is teaching the previous generation the same. I'm very hopeful right now. My glass looks very full.
So I've meandered all over as well. But go and read all three sites, and come back with your thoughts on the matter.


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The primary object of study in Film Studies is film. However, film is part of a wider audiovisual media culture and is closely related to "traditional" audiovisual media such as television and radio as well as a wide range of so-called new media. Courses in Film Studies familiarise students with film and audiovisual media culture as historical, cultural and aesthetic phenomena.
The main focus of the studies is on technologically, aesthetically and institutionally established film, the history and presence of which also provides a perspective for analysis of the development and present state of wider audiovisual culture.
Film Studies provides the students with the fundamental skills needed for theoretical analysis and examination of aesthetic features and institutional relations of films and their development.
In addition, Film Studies aims to provide students with an understanding of media culture and its development and technological manifestations in a wider historical context. Audiovisual media culture is such a fundamental part of contemporary society that acquiring an understanding of it is essential for all cultural studies. Therefore, taking Film Studies as a subsidiary (minor) subject is particularly beneficial to all cultural disciplines oriented towards the humanities or social studies.
Students who aim for careers in the fields of culture, art and communication will find a background in film studies useful. In addition, the subject provides the students aiming to become teachers with the official qualification to teach the subject in the Finnish school system.
Study guidance is offered by Kari Ilmari Leppihalme, the Lecturer of Film Studies, tel. +358 29 448 3337, ilmari.leppihalme(a)oulu.fi.
Last updated: 2.10.2019


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Cancer sufferer battles bosses for not working during treatment.
Filed in: Cancer |Critical Illness
11. July 2017
Eimear Coghlan, 34, was made to work in a 'hostile and offensive' environment by her boss Poonam Dhawan-Leach after the pair clashed over her missing work.Miss Coghlan was a PA and office manager for Mrs Leach at The Hideaways Club (UK) Ltd, a luxury property investment firm based in Kensington, west London.
She was awarded compensation by a judge at an employment tribunal, after it was ruled she been victim of 'plainly unfavourable treatment'.
Initial sympathy and concerns quickly turns sour
The tribunal was told that Ms Coghlan, from County Cork in Ireland, was initially treated with 'sympathy and concern' by her employers.
However, the arrangement soon turned sour, causing her to quit her job amid a bitter row.
Ms Coghlan enjoyed a 'close and amicable' relationship until after MsCoghlan's diagnosis in December of the following year, it was heard.
Email correspondence showed Mrs Leach initially reacted 'sympathetically and with natural concern' towards her employee, and discussed arrangements so she could continue working around her treatment.
But the tribunal heard the relationship became 'frayed' by February 2015 and Mrs Leach contacted the firm's HR consultants for advice.
She alleged Ms Coghlan had 'not done a single day's work' in the past three months and said the situation was not sustainable.
Mrs Leach claimed this was because it was not possible for her to do any work until her treatment was complete.
Over the next two months relations worsened as Ms Coghlan's flexible working arrangements, including a concession that she could work from home if she felt unwell and being allowed to have her desk in another office, were ended.
An 'inflexible' arrangement was made that she would have to take sick leave - on reduced pay - for at least half a day if she had a medical appointment.
She was also asked to provide letters from her doctors to prove she was fit to work.
The tribunal heard that Mrs Leach was 'suspicious' when Ms Coghlan handed them over herself, rather than having them sent directly from the hospital.
The chief executive sent an email to the HR consultants saying she was not willing to be in a position where she had compromised everything 'just so I can be kind and sensitive to one individual who is very unfortunately going through an extremely difficult personal health situation'.
One colleague told the tribunal Mrs Leach's criticism of Ms Coghlan at the end of a meeting was 'hostile, spiteful and aggressive'.
"Why won't they let me work?'
In a note to herself between incidents, Ms Coghlan wrote: 'I just want to work, why won't they simply let me work?
'I'm feeling so discriminated against, it is difficult to put into words how I feel.
'I'm completely aghast they are treating me like this. It is a campaign against me, making everything as difficult for me as possible.'
Matters came to a head in April, three days before Ms Coghlan was due to undergo major surgery, when Mrs Leach sent her an email.
In it, the chief executive said Ms Coghlan had refused to take sick leave and had therefore been treated as normal, but was 'unfit to work'.
Ms Coghlan was 'shocked' and left the office 'sobbing and shaking', before going to see her GP.
She was signed off with stress, said she 'could not face' going back and eventually resigned in September 2015.
The Hideaways Club contested all of Ms Coghlan's claims and their lawyers argued that many of the decisions taken were made out of concern for her.
Judge David Pearl described Mrs Leach as 'something of a stickler' for office procedures.
Dismissing some of Ms Coghlan's claims, he said that much of what happened arose from her manager's high standards and was not discriminatory.
He said: 'Mrs Leach has struck us as an unusually 'hands on' manager, who has always closely directed, monitored and supervised Ms Coghlan in her work.
'She is also, as we have found, a very demanding manager who has exacting and well-defined standards.'
This was unwanted conduct related to her disability and it had the effect of creating a hostile, humiliating and offensive environment for her. Judge David Pearl However the judge concluded that Mrs Leach 'went too far' in her treatment of Ms Coghlan.
Judge Pearl said requests from Ms Coghlan for medical letters 'violated her dignity' and that making her take half a day's sick leave for an appointment was 'irrational'.
He added: 'This was unwanted conduct related to her disability and it had the effect of creating a hostile, humiliating and offensive environment for her.'
The judge also said Ms Coghlan was subjected to 'particularly exacting scrutiny'.
He said the decisions to end her flexible arrangements and to make her take sick leave were 'plainly unfavourable treatment', despite Mrs Leach's insistence it was done for Ms Coghlan's 'own good'.
He concluded: 'The argument based upon the safety of the claimant is particularly unconvincing.
'It was not necessary for her to relax before an appointment.
'It was never said by either her or any doctor that she required time to recover from these appointments which did not involve chemotherapy or any invasive treatment.
'Mrs Leach fastening on to these factors at the time, and also in her evidence, is an aspect of the case that we have found especially unconvincing.
'The more straightforward explanation is that she was not prepared to yield about this because she wished to maintain her right to manage and to give instructions to her assistant; and she wanted those instructions to be obeyed.'
Remove the financial strains
As this case clearly demonstrates financial worries and concerns - or rather the lack of financial resource - was 'centre stage' for Eimear Coghlan.
Critical illness insurance protection is specifically designed to remove these financial burdens in order that treatment can progress without fear and worry of losing a job or having severely impaired income.
Get in touch if you would like to discuss effecting cover


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Jake McDorman of Are You There, Chelsea? Interview (Video)
Jake McDorman on Sexual Tension and the Surprising Are You There, Chelsea? Role He First Played
As Rick the bartender on Are You There, Chelsea?, Greek alum Jake McDorman gets the chance to take on a slightly more adult role than he did on his last series. Jake stopped by PopSugar's LA studio recently to talk about landing the part opposite Laura Prepon, who happens to be his friend of several years, and the surprising other character he played in the first version of the pilot. He also weighed in on what it's like to work with the admittedly intimidating Chelsea Handler, what's ahead for Ric and Chelsea's long-simmering sexual tension, and where he imagines Evan from Greek is today. Check out our interview and catch the latest episode of Are You There, Chelsea? tomorrow on NBC at 8:30/7:30 central.


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Localization (DNU)
From audio to video, Aatrox to Zed, Barcelona to Tokyo, the localization team aspires to deliver a custom, made-for-me experience to players all over the world. Our team is globally-minded, working across diverse media types both in and out of game as we help development teams deliver content to players everywhere. We strive to ensure that every piece of content from Riot isn't just accessible, but resonates on an international scale.
Regional, cultural, and even language differences have to be accounted for so a joke that lands in ten countries and is incredibly insensitive in two won't accidentally be shipped. No matter the content or how quick the turnaround, the localization team has your back.


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Review: Left 4 Dead
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What could possibly be wrong with shooting zombies with a bunch of friends? As it turns out, not much.
Nice review! And I'm pleased to see it does work on the XBox too! :)
Its grand on the PC!
On a side note, you don't even need a mic most of the time. Good players who actually realise and accept its not Counter-strike/Halo quickly work everything out, quickly get with the program, and work together, even better than in TF2.
Also, its very fun to play the Undead and try and eat those pesky survivors.
I agree with most of your review except for the part about competitiveness although there is a lack of incentives for being the best in your team being known to be good in your l4d community is something that'll attract other players to play with you. A person who friendly fires his team mates to hell for example will definitely not attract people to play expert with him, where about half a shot from a shotgun takes 40+ health.
And as for the darkness of the campaigns i feel that it's to add a certain level of difficulty when encountering the witch, if you dont have your flashlight on you cant see her, if your flashlight is on you're afraid that you might shine it on her and alert her.
but yes i agree that the storytelling was rather poor, however from throughout the campaigns if you read the scribblings on the wall you do get a sense of nostalgia that is the humor from portal.
Lastly of course i'd like to add that valve's use of cinematic effects is really really good. ( If you swing your mouse about you get a cinematic blur ) and if you go to your video options you can actually choose the amount of film grain you see.
P.S You also forgot to mention that zoey > any rl girls cause she's hot and she kicks zombie ass
Good job! You basically summed up every feeling I have about this game, up to the 'recomendation' paragraph.
Well, I think the problem with Story telling in multiplayer is that the elements can get repetitative - after all, you may never have seen cutscene X before, but your team mates may have seen it a thousand million times before and be on the edge of cutting their wrists if they have to sit through it again (ok, maybe not THAT annoying).
Indeed, I wasn't denying that ;) Just meant, if your in a situation where you can't reply use your mic without pissing roommates/flatmates/parents/spouses/etc off, your in an ok situation ;)
Nice review. Want to levy 1 criticism (and it might be coz i missed it...) you only mention playing as the 4 survivors in co-op. The game can really take off for some people when you play 4v4 taking turnabout as survivors and infected to try and beat the other team.
The video supplement discusses versus mode.
I pre-ordered the game so that I could get the demo early, and I haven't stopped having a blast playing this game since. I honestly think this might be my game of the year.
That makes 2 of us. Last year I thought no game could ever rise up to Portal's quality level for me. Lo and behold.
And Jordan, kudos, the review itself is amazingly delivered.
Has anyone played the mod Zombie Panic Source? Is there much of a difference between the two games? And I know the Brainbread mod is for HL1, but similar concept?
I have and I'd say yes. Zombie Panic: Source, whilst good, doesn't match the improved gameplay and team-working of L4D - there is a demo if you want to try it.
I must wholeheartedly disagree with you assessment of Left 4 Dead. The title does shame to the Zombie genre. Zombies are used to strike fear into people for a number of their qualities: Slow shambling movements, difficulty to kill (headshot!), ability to eat you alive and turn you into them, their looks, and their massive number.
This game dispenses with normal zombie lore and focuses on numbers. You'll have so many zombies flying at you that gameplay frequently dissolves to "Spray and Pray" mechanics. The lack of a zoom for aiming makes the feeling of trying to score a hit far more sloppy. You can hardly even see the details of the zombies because they fly up to you so fast. It goes from a frightening story to an exercise in frusteration.
I also understand the need to change up gameplay with bosses here and there, but the "super zombies" feel more like mutants than the undead.
And why the hell would you go anywhere during a zombie apocolypse? There could be nothing stupider than trying to face the odds they did in the game, and we're just supposed to believe 'cause they said so.
You want a real team building zombie experience? Try CoD World at War's Nazi Zombies. The game does a lot bad and some of the same zombie problems persist in that same game, but it's far closer in tune with actual zombie canon and test the limits of your coordination with fellow gamers. And at least they have the good sense to stay indoors...
Thanks 4 comments! (To my coworkers - that was the last time. I promise.)
One thing I didn't get to mention was that the Xbox 360 version has dedicated servers this time around. I remember how disappointed I was when The Orange Box came out last year and TF2 was nigh unplayable due to lag. Thankfully Valve seems to have taken a lesson from that debacle, because the matchmaking on the 360 version of L4D is just as seamless (and stable) as it is on Steam. Three cheers for learning from your mistakes!
Guy, people have long realised that classic zombies do not work in video games by virtue of what they are. Hell, in the classic zombie movies, zombies were toyed with by bands of well- armed, organized people (see original Dawn of the Dead). And in most classic zombie movies, HUMANS were still the biggest threat to the protaganists, not the zombies. There were an engine for the worst aspects of human nature to come to the fore, little more.
Mwhahaha. Smallharmlesskitten, you got ooowned!
If the choice is dying on your feet or cowering in a corner and waiting for help to theoretically arrive, many folks will choose the former. Wading through zombies to reach potential rescue makes perfect sense.
Hehehe, Smallharmlesskitten got eaten alive.
Good point. Classic Romero style zombies are slow, stupid, and overpower by their sheer numbers and by eventually exhausting the resources of the living. Thinking about it, it sounds like a situation that's tailor made for a strategy game, but the FPS version would wind up being primarily for geriatrics. Which means we can expect it to come out for the Wii first. :)
I remember once I tried to hash out an idea for an mmo based on Dusk of the Dead. Could work in theory, maybe.
My friend, I must disagree with you. I would claim that Resident Evil 4's antagonists (zombies in form if not in story) were quite compelling. They shambled over to you in groups and if you wern't careful acouple would sneak in behind you and rape you unmerciful.
What made them creepy is not just the sheer numbers or that they were coming at you, but the fact that they moved so damn UNNATURALLY. It was logical to deduce that enemies who were crushed and eaten by a number of zombies, died, and were infected with some neurological ailment wouldn't have the motor skills or coordination to beat every olympic track team ever to compete.
I'm not going to blame you if you have one or two special enemies that come along regularly to shift gameplay in a new direction, but shooting into a crowd running full speed at you gives you no time to really appreciate what you're seeing.
If you had a thousand Jason's running at you across the screen that went down with 2-3 bullets, does it equal the fear and danger that comes across the movie screen? Numbers arn't everything, and it takes a true developer (of a movie OR game) to realize that a single zombie in the right place can be more devastating than a million spread throughout the city.
Also, (to above poster) if you have guns and are in a building (let alone city) crawling with the undead who will ALL focus on tearing you apart in the most painful way possible, are you going to cross 10 city blocks to get to a possible rescue or stare deep into the open end of that shotgun and prepare to meet you sweet and fluffy maker?
"Any game that can get stereotypical Xbox players communicating and collaborating deserves more than just rave reviews - it deserves the Nobel f**king Peace Prize."
Its true. I never thought i'd see xbox players working as a team until left 4 dead. Sure, they still tea bag, but its a start.
So what do you do when theres a zombie apocalypse? Wait it out in your one bedroom apartment with you ramen noodle soup? Wait for everything to be ok, maybe your mother would come and pick you up in the family minivan. Your an idiot.
Haha, I liked this part;
Thanks for your concern ;P
I'd get Left 4 Dead for the PC if I could, but lack of a decent computer to run games on I'm screwed unless VALVe decide to port a PS3 version some day.
If I'm going out, I'm going out swinging, mate.
What Susan said... I call dibs on the Hunting Rifle
Shotgun the witch!
Well, I can't say I agree with you, but its you opinion. The Left 4 Dead zombies aren't meant to be 'true' zombies - they are infected, not dead.
But to me, the horror of zombies comes from the fact they were human and now are not. They are numerous, and have no sense of self-preservation. They seem to be an endless tide, never ending.
The Left 4 Dead zombies do that for me. They replace high survivibly with high speed, see?
You can't play as a Witch
Nope, but the Tank you can, and its FUN! :)
i should at least try the demo... i dont think i can afford the complete version (i dont know if the free demo still out)
This game is awesome. I play this game at my friends dorm whenever freetime arises in college and i just love the feel of it. The story is alittle poor, but besides that, great effects. I feel it is so satisfying to shoot a zombie right in the head to watch it explode. The weapons are pretty nice too, and once you get the assault rifle, life gets easier.
The co-op mode is pretty well done. The fact that you actually have to work together adds a nice touch and it prevents people from doing waht they want as well. The sooner the players work together, the easier it is. Otherwise, your basically screwed as zombies start to swarm in from all directions.
Another effect I like is that on certain modes you can play as the zombies and its just so satifying to be the hunter, smoker, boomer or tank. Heh, just to be able to pounce and mall the player senseless...
But thats my speal.
Apparently not
As far as "zombie canon" goes, I've an admittedly small nit to pick. Namely, I'm tired of the "reasonable explanations" for zombies and vampires. I wish Left4Dead had -true- zombies, not "infected". It's like, "oh, no, they can't be undead, that's just too unrealistic!". Puh-leze. "Wait, they're infected instead, yay, that's so much more believable, thus fun!". I disagree. Undead a hell of a lot more fun, and scary, than infected people. For me, at least.
Waiting and hoping for the day when media and games once again feature the real zombies . . .and all the emo anne rice-esque vampires die a quick and horrible death.
I think the writer should check out the in game commentary. Valve mentioned wanting more cinematic stuff but realised it would be annoying to start a level, and have to sit through them over and over again. (The game IS made for replay) However yes, some reason would be nice, but ultimatly, L4D is a game about playing! Also, voice is better. I played a versus match with people actually communicating and it was the best, setting up ambushes as the infected, and stopping the other team while we were the survivors. Also, competition can be fun, but for games about working together, it is bad. Obnoxious and mean people will do little good here.
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Milad-Un-Nabi message said In keeping with tradition, the followers of Islam in Sri Lanka join their brethren in faith the world over to celebrate Milad-Un-Nabi, the birth of Holy Prophet Mohammed.
The teachings of the Holy Prophet with emphasis on peace, harmony, tolerance and understanding are most relevant today in the context of the crisis that prevail in many parts of the world that endanger peace and progress among humankind.
President said further that Islam can be a source that promotes non-violence, brotherhood and mutual understanding, rejecting the terrorism that is found in many countries and instead encouraging the noble values of humanity.
Those who follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, in Sri Lanka, can make a significant contribution to building a nation rich in tolerance, understanding and reconciliation, which will strengthen the efforts to take the country on the forward march to progress.


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Article content
SAN ANTONIO — Juan Jackson intercepted Taylor Laird pass on the first play of the game and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown and Central Arkansas never looked back in a 56-10 victory over Incarnate Word on Saturday night.
Hay Hildebrand dominated the first half, completing 16 of his first 19 passes for 194 yards and three TDs as the Bears (9-1, 8-0 Southland Conference) opened a 42-3 lead at halftime. Hildebrand had two TD passes to Brandon Cox in the second quarter. Cox finished with five receptions for 108 yards and the two scores.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Central Arkansas dismantles Incarnate Word 56-10 Back to video
Central Arkansas also had success on the ground in the first half as Carlos Blackman ran for 56 yards and a score on five carries and Kierr Crossley chipped in with 51 yards and a TD on seven totes. Cedric Battle added a 20-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. The trio combined for 200 yards on 30 carries.
Hildebrand finished with 226 yards on 20-of-30 passing.
Laird hit Breylann McCollum for a 49-yard score in the final quarter to cap the scoring for the Cardinals (1-9, 1-7).
More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP–Top25


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JP Locksmiths covering South Manchester
Call Jon
07736 066 063
Free Home Security Survey.
Our FREE Home Security Survey will identify areas where your Home or business Security can be improved.
All surveys are free of charge with no obligation. We will survey your property and provide a checklist on completion for you to keep.
We will check your door and window locks, we will look at your existing Burglar Alarm or CCTV system. And we will give recommendations that we feel will improve your home security.
Is your front door visible from the road? do you have any hedges or Conifers that are over grown?
Don't live in shadows, cut them back and install a light by your front door, that comes on when you approach – it will improve your quality of life, and make your property safer.
During your Free Home Security Survey, we will consider all these things.
Is your back garden or yard secure?
Do you have a padlock on your side gate?
Simple measures like security lighting can be a great deterrent for a potential burglar, and prevent crime.
Perhaps your property backs onto a field or park, or railway line? Planting bushes that have thorns, can be a terrific deterrent.
Do you have a Upvc door? The majority of UK homes do, and upgrading the euro-cylinder lock to a Triple star rated Anti-Snap lock, is an affordable way of really beefing up your security.
Have you thought about fixing lockable Sash Jammers to your windows? They don't cost a fortune, But are really effective.
Is your front door a traditional wooden one? Its important to check that you have a BS3621 British Standard lock fitted, and that you have the keys and actually lock it!
Call today and book your FREE home security survey.
Call Jon
07736 066 063
For more impartial advice on crime prevention in your home visit the Metropolitan Police website.


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For younger children
Pip and Posy and the Super Scooter
By Axel Scheffler
The drawings in the Pip and Posy books might seem familiar to fans of The Gruffalo since Axel Scheffler, who created these stories, is also The Gruffalo's illustrator. Pip and Posy's world is, however, much less predatory!
These stories explore toddlers' everyday lives and the roller-coaster emotions of their early experiences.
In Pip and Posy and the The Super Scooter, Posy is desperate to try out Pip's new scooter without realising that riding a scooter isn't as easy as it looks. She take's Pip's scooter without asking and soon it goes wrong, but Pip kindly steps to help her.
If you like this story, you might also like Pip and Posy and the Little Puddle by Scheffler, where Pip is having such a lovely time that he forgets to go to the loo!
Published by Nosy Crow
For older children
The Secret Kingdom
By Jenny Nimmo
An adventurous fantasy story from the bestselling author Jenny Nimmo, featuring a a secret forest kingdom, a magical ring and an elixir of youth.
Two children are forced to flee their home and their parents' secret kingdom when the evil viridees seek them out. The children hold the moon spider's web, which gives its owner magical powers, and the shape-shifting viridees will do anything to lay their hands on it.
Meet a talking camel, a boy who can fly, enchanted leopards and a strange forest jinni. Together they join to face the evil viridees, who want their special gifts for themselves.
This is a mysterious and imaginative story. It is a prequel to the Charlie Bone series of books but you don't have to have read the other books to enjoy this one.
Published by Egmont Books
Our Books of the Week is in association with the ReadingZone
- The children's books website www.ReadingZone.com aims to help families to support their children's reading by suggesting the best books available.
- The website provides news about books and authors, competitions, author interviews and recommendations, and there are distinct areas for children themselves to explore new releases.


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Nvidia SHIELD is a Great Streamer - The Remote Not So Much
Welcome new members, thank you for joining Nvidia SHIELD Rocks. (We are a Group of Nvidia SHIELD Fans and are NOT Affiliated with Nvidia). Feel free to invite friends and discuss Nvidia, Android channels and other streaming news. We are here to help you get maximum enjoyment from your Nvidia SHIELD!
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Nvidia SHIELD is a Great Streamer - The Remote Not So Much
The NVIDIA SHIELD is a totally awesome Android media streamer that blows pretty much every other Android media streamer away.
The remote on the other hand, not so much. Don't get me wrong, it 's still better than 99% of any other remote that comes with an Android box. Because, on a remote typically this is where Android box manufacturers like to cut some corners to increase their profit margin.
The SHIELD remote is actually quite nicely designed. And even though it can lock up from time to time and get a little glitchy. We wrote up a step-by-step article on how to get your SHIELD Remote to work like new again. Plus we included some other tips to keep you from draining your batteries way too quickly.
You can read the full guide on how to reset the SHIELD Remote here...
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Valkyrie Autosport takes it's 1st and 2nd win at Thunderhill Raceway in NASA's new NP class!
It was a typical August weekend in Willows, CA, with 105+ degree temps, and a punishing sun. But there was nothing typical about the racing action on track with NASA's new NP class making its first visit to the 3 mile circuit. Team Valkyrie was coming off an exhausting tow to Indiana and back, and a 6 hour endurance race in Utah the weekend before. The team poured everything it had left in the tank at the event, and was rewarded with two wins in a row.
Taking over driving duties from car owner Mark White, who couldn't make the event, Brian Lock piloted the #34 NP01 both days. Lock had finished runner up to Team Stoptech at his only other appearance in the series at Laguna Seca a couple months prior. "I was drooling to get back in this car for another shot at a win after Laguna Seca," Lock remarked, "We were confident with our progress on the setup of the car and couldn't wait to take another shot at Andy Lee and the Stoptech entry." Unfortunately with the busy schedule, Team Valkyrie was unable to test their car on Friday or turn in a qualifying time on Saturday.
Race #1
Having no qualify time on the books, Valkyrie would start at the back of the 4 NP's in the field. "I was super nervous, I had never turned a green flag lap in the NP at this track, and Stoptech had been testing since Friday morning," said Lock. Luckily for Brian, NASA runs the NP series in mixed run groups, which allowed him to come to grips with the car for a few corners before they were able to turn clean fast laps.
Quickly slotting in to P2, the battle was on with Stoptech for P1! Just two laps in, Lock timed traffic perfectly to get a run on Stoptech exiting turn 9, and executed a clean pass into turn 10. The pressure was really on, the pace of the Stoptech car was clearly faster, and the cars were locked nose to tail for another two laps. After going side by side in turn 14 two laps in a row, each car taking a turn on the outside, something had to give.
"We were starting to catch more and more lap traffic, and I was just hoping that my 8 or more 25 hour races here, and hundreds and hundreds of passes on the outside of turn 3 and 5 would pay off." And pay off it did. Stoptech fell pray to dust and marbles on the outside of turn 3, while lock barely kept his NP on track.
"I was relieved to see a yellow spinning car in my mirror, but also kinda bummed because these cars are so amazing to race close quarters with," joked Lock. Brian was able to cruise home for the teams first win in the NP class. Lee in the Stoptech entry was second, Jeremy Croiset in third and Chad Plavan in fourth.
Race #2
Although confident our outright pace would be better on Sunday after getting a chance to run the car on track, the team also new that Andy Lee and Stoptech would be very hungry after Saturday's race. With qualifying in the books, Team Stoptech once again held the outright pace advantage, out pacing Lock by just over a second.
"I was really worried. I didn't have a chance to stress about our pace on Saturday since we had no idea what it would be, Sunday that was not the case. I knew I couldn't let Andy get away on the start, I needed to be aggressive and make a move early." The strategy worked, again battling slower traffic, Lock was able to make a move stick around the outside of 5, and it was on again. The Stoptech car was glued to the bumper of the Valkyrie car for lap after lap, each car turning almost identical lap times.
"The cars are so evenly matched, I found some more pace in the race and knew after a lap or two that it was my race to loose."
Lock drove a mistake free race, claimed fastest race lap, and once again slowly worked out a comfortable lead to take his second win in two days. "Sunday was much sweeter a victory. I felt like I got a little lucky on Saturday with Andy getting caught out in the marbles. Getting the win for a second day in a row, and getting fast race lap, really felt good."
Brian Lock – Team Valkrie Autosport


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03 Editorial
The teachers who have made the greatest impact on me have been those who balance the seriousness of the teachings with not taking themselves too seriously as individuals. Their ways of passing along wisdom has been in the form of teaching yoga and meditation in an accessible (and very often, humorous) manner that is also profound.
When I was a newly qualified teacher, I felt in awe of this ability to seemingly effortlessly communicate wisdom. If I tried to repeat the same sentences, I felt like a parrot, and it did not feel very genuine. Over time what we discover our own wisdom through attentiveness to our lives. Wisdom comes gradually. Going to group classes, workshops, trainings, reading, and devoting time to our own practice are all ways to cultivate this inner self-study. Then we teach from integrating what we have learned.
This is what Jason Crandell taught us when he was at Radiant Light Yoga Antwerp earlier this year (and I'm paraphrasing it here): 'You don't have to learn it ALL right now'. I found this such a refreshing reminder that we aren't just going through a list of 'yoga things-to-do' before we become somehow more yogic. We are not more spiritually advanced if we can do the tricky arm balancing asana. Rather, when we open ourselves to experiencing different teachers, or trying a new yoga class, learning a new posture, we are participating in our own development. Indeed, Jason Crandell also encouraged us to engage in other modalities and learn from the wisdom there too. Our own Lama Nasser has created a popular 'Yogalates' class using this very approach: she combines wisdom of yoga with the wisdom of pilates.
As students of yoga, we are all part of the lineage of wisdom-sharing. Teachers have learned and integrated through practice and life, then their enthusiasm for this wisdom gets shared with us as students. It is this very joy of teaching that has brought about a new venture at Radiant Light Yoga. In January 2018 we are beginning our first teacher training: Yoga Fundamentals. We relish the opportunity to have a full year for learning, integrating, and for cultivating self-study.
This manner of being open to the wisdom of other teachers, different modalities, and indeed to our own self-study is a way that we keep yoga relevant to our lives. Yoga is always evolving. When we tap into the awareness (rather than always focusing on the object of our attention, such as the asana) we discover the way in which our practice is actually our life.
Living radiantly,
Join Kristen each week for classes at Radiant Light Yoga Brussels AND ANTWERP