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Ferienhaus Jan Aschbacher
- Offers
- Description
- Equipment
- Arrival
- Events
- More...
- Accommodations
Absolute relaxation and tranquility guaranteed! Fantastic view of the Katschtal, best hiking opportunities!
The beautiful holiday home is located at approx. 1400m with only one neighboring house, its own source for the water supply. and a wonderful panoramic view from the approx. 30 m² terrace.
Surroundings: The market town of Rennweg is located at the foot of the Katschberg (ski area Rennweg am Katschberg) in the beautiful Katsch valley surrounded by the Hohe Tauern, the lower Tauern and the Nockberge.
In winter, the Katschberg ski area offers the best slope fun and the surrounding mountains offer a wonderful winter landscape. In the summer, the surrounding area invites you to beautiful hikes, walks and sports activities, for example in the Pöllatal nature reserve
Katschberg ski area: http://www.katschi.at; Distance approx. 15 minutes by car ('2 mountains further')
Pöllatal: The Pöllatal nature reserve is a popular destination for nature and hiking enthusiasts. For young and old there is the Tschu-Tschu-Bahn, which runs through the entire valley. Information at www.katschberg.at
Summit cross: A hike up to the Atzensberg summit cross is definitely worthwhile! The view and tranquility is simply priceless.
No parties / events
Non smoking
Please only smoke outside
Pets allowed, a pet costs € 5 per day
Children welcome
Max. Number of guests: 10
100% refund for cancellations up to 30 days before arrival.
50% refund for cancellations up to 14 days before arrival.
Sight of interest
Ski-lift/mountain railway
Arrival: 14:00
Departure: 10:00
The holiday home is easily accessible via the A10 Tauern Autobahn. After the "Rennweg am Katschberg" motorway exit, continue in the direction of Rennweg on the main road until you see a soccer field on the left ("Rennweg am Katschberg" exit). Take the next entrance over the bridge towards Atzensberg. Drive up this road 3.7 kilometers, then you will reach our holiday home.


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Deutschland online bookmaker http://artbetting.de/bet365/ 100% Bonus.
4th Battalion Security is a leading West Midlands Based security company offering Key Holding Services in the Birmingham & West Midlands area as well as nationwide.
With modern premises requiring the installation of sensitive security and fire systems, a certain amount of false alarms is inevitable. If this happens outside office hours, the resulting callout is never welcome for your key personnel.
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Take the worry out of your business security with our key holding and alarm response services.
You can be sure that if your alarm system is activated a fully trained and vetted Alarm Response Officer will be there quickly to deal with the incident giving you peace of mind.
4th Battalion Security Ltd provides reliable, fully trained and SIA licensed security personnel to small, medium sized and large businesses across the whole of the UK

subset: commoncrawl


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Laddie Ray Melvin (Genre: Country/Folk/Blues)
Indie Air Radio is a 24/7 Internet radio station, and a fair trade media company that is owned by a curated group of musical artists and podcast producers.
Consider becoming a supporting member of the station and a personal sponsor of Laddie Ray Melvin, with subscriptions starting at $7 per month. 80% of your subscription will support Laddie Ray and 20% will assist the station with its operating costs. In appreciation we provide our members with exclusive benefits that include discounts on music purchases, discounts on admission to concerts, free monthly music downloads and more. You can view all benefits and subscription options here.
Request to hear Laddie Ray Melvin's music here and scroll to his name. Your requests will air within 30 min and are limited to (4) per hour.
Hear song samples and purchase Laddie Ray Melvin's digital music. Laddie Ray receives all purchase proceeds. Members of Indie Air Radio receive a 20% discount (must be logged-in to receive discount).
About: Laddie Ray Melvin is a folksinger and songwriter who has played music in the Pacific Northwest for many years. As a songwriter, he carefully crafts his lyrics and surrounds them with music from the American folk tradition. Country, blues, folk and folk rock are all colors this mature artist works with as he sings of life, death, family, love, hope and our shared humanity.
Ray has produced four independently recorded CDs. The first is ROCKY GROUND (2002) followed by IN THE AFTERMATH (2006) a collection of tunes considering what it means to be human in times of trouble. Laddie Rays third CD is, A CITY GLOWS IN THE DISTANCE (2009), and is a collection of songs that are intentionally spare followed by THE WHEEL (2012).
The Pacific Northwest is home to a vital community of folk musicians, and Laddie Ray Melvin is one of them. Please continue to support live music in your town or city.
What folks are saying about Laddie Ray Melvin:
". . . born and raised by the Columbia River the stark beauty of the land around him found its way into his music. The sweet grit of his expressive baritone and the rich imagery of his lyrics have a genuine and immediate impact on his listeners. There's raw tenderness and strength in Laddie Ray's style that seems uniquely masculine, yet universally human." Marilyn O'Malley, Victory Review
"Melvin's songs are like a well-worn heirloom quilt, woven together from threads of traditional Americana, country, blues and a bit of Dylan-esque folk rock. His voice is weathered and rich, and his songs are dusty landscapes of life experience written from the perspective of a mature soul. His performances are captivating like hearing old ghost stories late at night around the crackling campfire." Get Out! North Idaho
Read an article published in the Spokesman Review here.
Laddie Ray Melvin's Tip Jar


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Louis Tomlinson's Mother Penned Final Message To Fans
Louis Tomlinson's mother Johannah Deakin left a final message for fans before her death, which her husband Dan has posted on her Twitter account.
The mother-of-seven passed away last week after a secret battle with leukaemia and asked her husband Dan Deakin to share her farewell with her son's "amazing" supporters after she passed away.
Hi, it's Dan. Johannah asked for me to send this afterwards. She wanted to thank you all, and to let you know that you have been amazing
— Johannah Deakin (@JohannahDarling) December 13, 2016
Dan took to Johannah's Twitter page to write: "Hi, it's Dan. Johannah asked for me to send this afterwards. She wanted to thank you all, and to let you know that you have been amazing right from the start. You changed Louis' life, but also her life. Your support now is as strong if not stronger than ever. So from Johannah one last time, thank you for everything xxx (sic)."
The message comes after Louis returned to Instagram for the first time since the tragic death of Johannah, in order to thank fans for their support.Louis shared a photo of himself and Steve Aoki performing their track 'Just Hold On' at the 'X Factor' final at the weekend and captioned the Instagram post: "Thank you for the incredible support :)"
Louis had previously thanked his loved ones and fans for helping him through the live TV performance.
He tweeted after the show: "That was harder than I ever imagined. I want to thank everyone around me and all of the amazing fans out there that made that so special!
Feeling so much love around me and my family . Mum would have been so fucking proud ( sorry for swearing mum ? ) love you !
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) December 11, 2016
"Feeling so much love around me and my family . Mum would have been so f***ing proud ( sorry for swearing mum ) love you !(sic)"And the One Direction star also praised his collaborator Steve, who helped fulfil Johannah's wish; for Louis to debut his solo single on the show that made him famous.
He posted: "Also @steveaoki , you have been such a rock and inspiration throughout this ! Pure talent and a real gent ! (sic)"
But Steve shared the sentiments, replying to the message: "U were the rock my brother. U are my inspiration. U have the biggest f***ing heart and I'm so proud of u. Blew us all away for her. (sic)"
Following his tearful performance on 'The X Factor', the show's head judge Simon Cowell praised Louis for his "bravery".
He said: "I have to say something to you. I've known you for six years, what you've just done – the bravery.
"I respect you as an artist and I respect you as a person. Your mum was so proud of you Louis and she was so looking forward to this performance. She's watching over you now and you've done her so proud."
The chart-topping track is believed to be a tribute to Johannah and features the lyrics: "What do you do when a chapter ends / Do you close the book and never read it again / Where do you go when your story's done / You can be who you were or who you'll become."
*Sourced by Bang Showbiz


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[Author's note] [ Tolerate this first chapter, since nothing sexual happens in it. Added stories will be more entertaining. Thank you.] Chapter 1 The last day of my dull life. Hi, I'm Shawn. I'm 29, fit, 'bout 170 pounds, a 6'1 hellbilly from Williamsport, Tennessee, but by no means I'm like the rednecks stereotyped on TV.
Though I was held back one year in high-school I graduated with a 3.2 GPA, and I've completed over 5 years of Political Science, American History, Human Biology/Anatomy, and American Sign Language in college.
Personally I also write action, crime and fantasy stories which I sell to local publishers for quick money. It's an easy three to five-grand every now and then. Being somewhat close to Nashville, music was pretty big to me too, so I took to learning the acoustic 7-string guitar, drums, and electric bass. I tried to learn the fiddle but I never could throw myself into learning the thing. I'm not you're typical dumb redneck.
I work at the local grocery store, working the evening cash register and the graveyard-shift working in the stock room.
June is the store owner and a kind old lady too, so fighting between employee and employer never was an issue. But at $8500 a month, sometimes it ain't enough.
Saturday nights at Kell's Bar was the big deal before Sunday morning. With no exception, it was always packed. It holds about 70 people, and at full swing it's a fine place to hook up a sweet girl for a one night stand or even sometimes something longer-lasting. When I get there, it's already filling with the smell of cigarette smoke, and kitchen fixin's. Once in a while I'll get on stage next to the jukebox, and play a few cover songs for free drinks a few burgers, and tips.
After a few Wayne Hancock, and Hank Williams cover tunes, I was drunk enough to switch to beer and eat dinner.
I'm a modest man living the best I can. But for all my earnings, knowledge, for all my accomplishments, having or even keeping a steady girlfriend was next to impossible. It wasn't my looks. I mean sure, I got a little extra hanging over the belt, but their are other guys around town, twice my weight with girlfriends and even married.
3:00am was when Kell's closed, so I was already walking out. well more like balancing myself out of the bar to my pickup-truck to drive home. It was a short five minute drive pass the liquor store by the drive-in.
It's a quite little, single story, wood-shack. The liquor is still in me and preventing me from unlocking my own damn front door. Once inside I toss off my black/green flannel jacket, brown work boots, take out my .44 revolver from my pocket and stored it away under my pillow, and basically stripped down to my boxers and undershirt.
It takes me less than a minute to fall asleep. -- The next afternoon I woke up. sorta. It took me twenty minutes to want to get out of bed, and fix my late lunch. A ham sandwich, a bowl of frosted cereal, and a coke.
On the news was nothing good as usual. An inept President, a new $900 billion bailout plan being considered for failing manufactures of plastic fruit, Tumuki automotive, and of coarse more banks. "Well shit, where's the money come'n from?" Sometime last night, I must've knocked over and broke my potted potatoes. Well a quick trip to the junk-yard will fix that. Dressed up in my black jeans with ironed on confederate flags and marijuana leaves patches, and my boots, I got in my truck and headed off to replace broken property.
-- Three in the afternoon, in a junk-yard is not how I like spending my Sunday afternoons, and today is no different. The smell, It's everywhere and I've already slipped twice in what I can only guess was at one time, Chinese food and horse manure. The white stringy things are either noodles or worms, and right now I don't want to have to guess.
Well, I've found spiral copper tube, some brass or tin pots, and a small bathtub. Not a bad haul, I can plant a nice little garden in the tub if I can till up some decent soil for it. Back home, with my newly acquired treasure, I spent the rest of the evening chopping up soil and mixing in it some compost. I'm already thinking of planting carrots in it. My last action outside for the day, I refill the bird-feeder with honey-sunflower-seeds, and call it a day.
Inside my shack, I'm downing a beer while watching a rodeo. The best part is always when someones ribs are kicked by any of the animals.
As a kid I was headbutted by a goat in the ribs, so I feel the pain all over again when I see it. Later that evening, I'm watching "Beer Valley" on TV. It's basically women in swimsuits, or less, playing water sports like water volleyball, water polo, water balloon fights, and the like. During the commercials I grab one of the small brass pots, which more looks like a really old oil lamp, and attempt a spit-shine polish.
Rag in hand I spit on one side, and rub side to side the caked on dirt and grime. Now the metal itself shows. I rub a little harder, then the damn thing jumps out of my hand nearly taking my thumb with it. The little brass lamp lands on the floor right-side-up and begins spewing a cloud of blueish, sorta orange smoke.
It took form, and in the middle of my living room appeared from the smoke, a Arab man, in ancient looking Arab clothing, golden jewelery around his neck, his waist, and draping around his legs like a skirt. "Oh shit what'd I do?!" I scrambled for my bedroom and grabbed the 12 gauge as fast as I could, and crouched behind my bed waiting for whatever would walk through my bedroom door.
Was I scared?
Oh hellyeah, I was scared. I was scared shitless! "You out there! I am armed, and I'll blast you an half if you come near me!" I yelled out. "And may I ask, how you would accomplish this at me?" I heard a voice from behind me. I turned around and saw the same man that formed from the smoke.
"ARUGH GE SHIT!" I jumped at least four feet in the air after seeing him. [THUMP] I landed feet first on the bed mattress, then fell backwards bashing my head on the hard-wood-floor. The last thing I remember is my heart pounding at 100 miles an hour and lightning shooting through my heart to my feet, then it all went black.
-- When I woke up it was morning. I think. I remember seeing some Arab guy in my house. It was either, I had been drinking to much, a bad nightmare, or drugs I can't remember taking. As I wandered through my house, I heard my TV was on, then shut it off.
<Fuuuck, what time is it?> I scratched my head for a moment before scratching over a sore spot, and jolting my hand away.
<Time to eat.> But then I looked at the clock "Oh shit, I'm late." I phoned my work at the store, and waited for some to answer.
"Hello, June's Produce. This is June." "Hi June it's me, Shawn." "Shawn? We've been open for hours." "Yeah I know. Last night I fell and hit my head. I just woke up, like fifteen minutes ago." "Oh dear lord, are you okay?" "Sortta. I just wanted to phone-in to let ya know I'd be late. And please don't tell Heidi I hadn't shown up." "I wouldn't toss that rotten-bitch a life jacket to save her life, much less tell her you're late." Good ol' June.
She was like the Grandma everybody wanted, and everybody liked. "Thanks June, I'll be there when I can." "Sure thing, Bye." Okay now what- "Master, you've awakened." My eyes went wide hearing a voice behind me.
"I began to worry your health would-" "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up!" I said backing into the wall away from the man. "You- you, you're. who are you?" "I-" He started as he bowed formally at me. "-am Hei-sawli, The genie of the lamp. And it is you who has summoned me to do your bidding.
My obligation to you Master is to grant you three wishes of your desire. ".Uh-huh.of coarse. Um, can you prove that?" I say this absently because I know I don't have my .44 near me, and if this guy is gonna stab me, I want to be as far away from him as possible. "Mortal, I have lived life-spans beyond the most powerful kingdoms and empires." He teleported me above a expansive field where I saw men like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, King George the III, and all their armies fighting other armies, all at the same time, and seeing their kingdoms come and go.
"I have seen planets and galaxies come and go." We both were suddenly teleported to a empty blackness and I saw a planet form from space-rocks, and grew titanic in size, violently swell with volcanic eruptions, forming a earth-like planet abundant with life, then it decayed into a barren gray heap of rock.
The genie showed me a man, that transformed into an animal, then a bird, then it turned into a bright energy, back into a man, his skin disappeared, then his muscles, this his nerves, leaving his skeleton, that shortly turned into dust, then simply dissolved into the floor I stood on.
That is, if it was a floor in the typical way I understood it to be. At this point, I know I couldn't be high on anything I've used before, and I was sure as shit, that I wasn't dreaming. "Okay, okay.
I'm convinced." I was teleported back to my home. Not a second had passed since we had left. "So, you can grant me any wish?" "Yes. Any wish to your heart's desire." "Uhh, have you ever came across any wish you've never been able to grant?" "In my countless years, and many masters, not one wish have I not been able to grant.
No wish has ever been so small or so grand for me to grant by human desire." Having said that. I was a little dumbstruck and honestly overwhelmed. Here I have a genie capable of granting me any three wishes, and I have no idea what to wish for. "Uhh. do I have to make my wishes now, or can I save them?" "Of coarse you can save them. I shall return to my confinement to await your summoning again." "Okay, see ya next time." With that said, he turned back into the smoke, and returned into the lamp.
A quick shower later, and half an hour drive I was at work. Lucky for me not to many shoppers right now, so it only took one cashier up at the front. So I took to the dust-mop and worked up and down the isles. I stayed an extra hour at work helping out in the stock room and hauling flour to the bakery across the street. Day in and day out this went on. While I worked I was keeping my mind on that lamp, and what the hell would I wish for. I thought about never having to pay taxes, then that turned to wishing for unlimited wealth.
It wasn't a bad idea.
I thought about being a famous writer, then that turned into being a famous Hollywood actor, but I kinda worried about would I turn into one of those rich dick-heads. And I liked being the way I was now. A week later, I thought about wishing for a new truck with unlimited gas, then that turned into owning a fleet of cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, boats, yachts, and planes all with unlimited gas.
It didn't take long after that, for me to remember some of my comic books I had collected since I was a kid. Everything from superheros foiling super villains plotting to take over the world, to detective stories solving outrageous conspiracy theories.
Furry's comics with cat-people, mice-people dealing with normal life problems. Little bits and pieces here and there, filled my mind with inspiration. Ten days pass and I got paid, just enough to get by. My initial thought was to head on over to the liquor store, to by something new.
Halfway there, I stopped. <Well I do have that bottle in the ice box. Haven't even opened it either.> I decided to do something else, and headed to the book store. Didn't really know what I was looking for, and nothing really took my attention. Later that night, sick of the political bullshit on tv, I was watching Air-Jaws on the nature channel.
There's just something about a 20 foot fish, with a bear-trap for a mouth eating smaller prey, I couldn't get enough of. At two-am, there's also A Hike with the Dinosaurs.
The kid in me refuses to turn it off. When I was much-younger, my mom would sit my skinny ass down in front of the tube, and made me watch every nature show that came on. -- It's been a month now and I've figured out my first wish. The mere thought of it, is intoxicating just to think about. Tomorrow once I get a good night sleep, and breakfast. I start on it.


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The Development of Teaching and Learning in Bright-Field Microscopy Technique
Volume 1 - Issue 4
Yulita Hanum P Iskandar Nurul Ethika Mahmud Wan Nor Amilah Wan Abdul Wahab Noor Izani Noor Jamil Nurlida BasirPages: 0-0 Download Count : 3164 View Count: 2727
E-learning should be pedagogically-driven rather than technologically-driven. The objectives of this study are to develop an interactive learning system in bright-field microscopy technique in order to support students' achievement of their intended learning outcomes. An interactive learning system on bright-field microscopy technique was developed in CD-ROM format which included various elements: text, images, animations, video, and audio. Thirty first-year biomedicine students in Universiti Sains Malaysia attended a 3-hour fixed laboratory session for conventional teaching and learning for bright-field microscopy technique. All subjects then answered a set of questionnaires. Subjects were provided with multimedia teaching and learning materials. After the task, all the subjects were given the second set of questionnaires to measure their level of acceptance and satisfaction with the interactive learning system. It is anticipated that the interactive learning system in bright-field microscopy technique would be suitable as a supporting learning aid for the laboratory or practical session
- Teaching
- Learning
- Bright-Field
- Microscopy Technique


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Time: 1.00 - 2.00pm Venue: Room 3.21, Old Building, LSE (map)
Speaker: Martin Scheicher (European Central Bank)
Seminar Title: The Anatomy of the Euro Area Interest Rate Swap Market
Abstract: Using a novel regulatory dataset of fully identified derivatives transactions, this paper provides the first comprehensive analysis of the structure of the interest rate swap (IRS) market related to the euro area banking sector. Our dataset contains 1.7 million bilateral IRS transactions. We provide two main contributions to the literature. First, we analyse transaction activity in the IRS market, describing the structure of typical transactions, and the role of the clearing obligation. Second, we use a network perspective to study "who trades with whom on which type of IRS and at which price". In a panel regression setup we investigate the determinants of trading activity, e.g. the impact of a trader's size, liquidity or solvency. Our econometric specification distinguishes trading activities of key segments of the market (e.g. Dealers, SSM banks, other banks, CCPs and non-banks). Our key results are as follows: 1) The IRS market is highly standardized and concentrated around a group of core "intermediaries" (and major CCPs). 2) Clearing has significantly affected the market structure. 3) Risk absorption does not exclusively happen in the core of the network. 4) The leverage ratio plays a key role in determining a bank's IRS trading activity. 5) Dispersion in transaction prices is partly determined by a bank's characteristics.
Time: 1.00 - 2.00pm Venue: Room 3.21, Old Building, LSE (map)


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When an author starts out, one of the hardest things to decide is what kind of edit they need. They'll ask their friends. They'll ask their family. But many sources lack the knowledge to make a professional opinion. And many authors don't know an editor. To know the difference between types of edits, you first must know the stages.
Stages of Editing
The book is done. You've spent months…years going through the stages of writing. Let's review them, shall we?
- Idea
- Brainstorm
- Outline
- Rough draft (First Draft)
- Revisions (Second Draft)
- self-edit (Third Draft)
- Beta readers
- self-edit (Fourth Draft)
… … …
Now what?
Now, an editor reviews. Several things can go wrong with a story. What is wrong is based on a number of things: how well does the author write? How much experience does the author have? Has the author gone through the eight stages of writing? Has the author used beta-readers? Did the author edit? Did the author attend school? Is the author a plotter? Does the author read?
Book building
Building a book is like building a body. There is the skeleton, the tendons and organs, and the brain and nervous system.
The skeleton is the form. This is the order of the story and the layout. This is the order of events. So long as the nervous system and tendons are in order, it's pretty simple to break and reset a few bones. Some work will be required to be sure the nervous system isn't damaged, but as a whole, the skeletal frame requires the least amount of correction.
Fixing the skeleton is called a developmental edit. We'll be checking the book's frame and be sure that everything is in the right order. Be ready to cut characters, rearrange scenes, and write up entire chapters. We'll be breaking bones and resetting them. But when we're done, you're book will shine…
The tendons and organs are the grammar. This is your syntax, spelling, punctuation, and misplaced modifiers. This is your antecedents and missing transitional sentences. Redundant words, purple prose, and contradictions…This is the working machinations of you manuscript.
Anyone of these organs be transplanted and traded out with some work. Depending on the damage, depends on how much work is ahead of you. Damage to the tendons and organs can be fatal, but most of the time, it's manageable. Unless…
This is your line edit. The line edit will require a copy edit later: cosmetic surgery to clean up the mess. Expect some follow up surgery. A line edit may be extensive. Now we're getting into heart surgery…
If your manuscript requires heart surgery (if the author is not educated on misplaced modifiers, antecedents, and head hopping), the author will most likely require grammar lessons and should probably conduct an entire rewrite of the book before hiring an editor.
Line edits reflect the author's grammatical knowledge. We could be talking about spelling, missed commas, and redundant usage (minor). This is a proper line edit. But we also could be talking about an author who does not know what a clause is, or what an antecedent is (major).
If the author is grossly uneducated in grammar, the manuscript is beyond an editor and the author really needs to attend a grammar class or two prior to hiring an editor. This kind of work precedes a developmental edit.
The nervous system is like your plot, characterization, and setting. Any damage done to the nervous system may not be salvageable. A broken nervous system is fatal and will most likely reshape the story beyond recognition. A broken nervous system may require a full scrub on the project and a return to the white board. This may set you back a few years.
Does your character lack character? Is your setting invisible? Is your story lacking plot and movement. Does it take half the book to get to an event?The nervous system is damaged and you need to return to the white board and index cards and start over. An editor is a long ways away (depending on how fast/well you write).
A superficial wound? Skin graphs? Cosmetic surgery? Second-degree burn? Welcome to copy editing. We'll be looking for misspellings, redundancy, and commas. We'll be polishing this manuscript for an agent or publisher.
Need a band-aid? That's proofreading. This is done by the publisher. If you are the publisher, this is when you mail a physical copy of your novel to an editor for review. When we are done, we mail the book back to you.


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Tools and Materials:
- Fabric scraps (22″ long by 3/4″ wide)
- 18 or 20 gauge wire and 24 gauge wire
- Wire cutters
- Round nose pliers
- Bent nose and/or needle nose pliers
- A can or something cylindrical to form the bracelet around.
- Beads
- Head pins to make bead dangles
Step #1
Measure around the largest part of your hand with the 18 or 20 gauge wire. Note: Do not pull the wire tight because you'll actually be forming it into a circle. Allow a little extra room, but not too much.
Step #2
Form the wire into a circle. I used a tin can. Be creative and see what you can find around your house that's the right size.
Step #3
Using your round nose pliers, create a loop on one end of the wire.
Step #4
Make a bend in the other end of the wire to put through the loop. Note: if you are making a beaded bangle, you won't be able to do this step now.
Step #5
Hammer the bangle. This helps the bangle keep it's shape. Do not hammer near the ends at this point.
Step #6
Cut a strip of fabric about 22″ long and 3/4″ wide. I just tore my fabric instead of using scissors because I wanted that frayed look.
Step #7
Start wrapping the fabric around one end of the wire. I like to start at the end with the loop.
Step #8
Cut off several inches of the 24 gauge wire.
Step #9
Wrap the 24 gauge wire around the end of the fabric. Make sure to pull tightly and make sure that the fabric is secure.
Use pliers to make sure the wire ends are pushed in.
Step #10
Continue wrapping the fabric strip all the way around the bangle. Note: if your fabric has one right side, make sure to keep that side on the top.
Step #11
After you have wrapped the entire bangle, use wire to secure the other side as well.
Step #12
Then close the little wire that is sticking out through the loop.
Make a beaded bangle instead.
Beads and fabric, both!
Fabric with bead dangles:
To make this one, just follow the instructions above.
Then use the Simple Dangle Earring Tutorial to make bead dangles.
Attach the bead dangles with jump rings. I used 7 mm jump rings.
My dangles do not slide around, but I think it's okay if they do slide around.
You could also make beaded and add bead dangles to it.
Make several and pile them on all at once for a great look.
I can't wait to see what you make!
This would be the perfect project for Project Jewelry this month, since this month's theme is FREESTYLE! (Yep, make whatever 2 pieces of jewelry you want!)
Click here to learn more about Project Jewelry and scroll down to the bottom for the latest challenge.


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We focus on simplicity and usability. Minimizing costs and doing our users work simple.
Procon and Concreplus are part of a conglomerate dedicated to sell and to distribute construction materials.
Procon and Concreplus needed a catalog so that potential customers can find their services, products, their trajectory and could make quotations or ask for more information as soon as possible.
Both sites have their enteriprise's history, and they both have a products and services catalog, available for all public.
Designed by Matatenaprocon.com.mx


text: Please Post and Pass Along -- Thanks! Cary ========================================== April 30, 1997 Contact: Cary Oshins (610)683-1400 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ***Green Up Your Festival!*** Collecting and Composting Food Scraps at a Special Event Learn how festival recyclers are going beyond bottles and cans to collect and recycle organic wastes, and experience it first hand at the same time! This 3-session workshop will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, from 8:30 to 4 pm at the Rodale Institute Experimental Farm near Kutztown, Pennsylvania (about an hour north of Philadelphia). Attendees will learn all aspects of festival composting, from what to collect and how to collect it to how do you compost it (both on and off site). The speakers, from Maine, New York and Pennsylvania, have 10 years combined experience planning and implementing food scrap collection at events as varied as a music festival, a country fair and an Earth Day celebration. An exciting aspect of this workshop is that it will be held in conjunction with Rodale Institute's Gardenfest! This annual celebration of organic gardening and food features seminars by some of the country's leading garden experts, tours of our gardens and fields, arts and crafts exhibits, children's activities, live music, delicious foods, and much more. Participants in the Green Up Your Festival workshop will have ample opportunity to enjoy the festival, including hearing the keynote address by renowned gardener John Jeavons. The cost for this unique workshop is only $125, which includes admission to Gardenfest!. Space is limited, so register early. Call 610/683-1400 to receive registration and information materials. Rodale Institute works with people worldwide to achieve a regenerative food system that renews environmental and human health. It is a non-profit, publicly supported charity under sections 501(c)3 and 509(a)2 of the IRS code. -30-


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Next month I turn 26…. Crap.
I've had a lot of new experiences this year – I've washed an elephant, I've driven a moped, I've eaten a cricket, I beat a Vietnamese man at pool, I lost to a Vietnamese man who definitely cheated at pool. It certainly has been an eventful year. But now I am in Melbourne. I am not travelling and I miss all those wonderful new experiences that I was having.
unemployed (update: I now have a job) in Melbourne means I have a wealth of time at my fingertips. That coupled with the fact I turn the grand old age of 26 means I need something to distract myself. I know I am extremely lucky to have this amount of free time, so after some thinking I've decided to complete 26 new things in the month before I turn 26. Completely new, never ever done before in my almost 26 years on this Earth.
Some will be fun, some will be scary and some will probably be neither. But all will be new and all will be an experience.
I'll be posting them up on this brand new blog I have created. If you didn't know it was possible to misplace (completely lose) a blog on the internet, let me tell you it is. Something else I hadn't done until this year.
Roll on the next month…


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Search maps
Search Tags
Black Sea to Baghdad
Colour relief map of the border area where Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey come together. [05-026c]
East Asia to west Pacific
Regional map that extends from India north to Korea and east to Vanuatu. [14-159]
Region: Asia, Asia - Southeast
Japan - Australia
Japan - Australia coast showing major locations in both countries.
SE Asia to west Pacific
Region: Asia, Asia - Southeast, Pacific
Southern Turkey
Colour relief map of the southern border of Turkey with Syria and Iraq.


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RSVP AstroCentre
Find your compatibility
Western Star Signs
Libra loves company and can talk endlessly with friends, and loves to hear others' experiences and thoughts on any subject. Libra is very accepting of different points of view and is disinclined to judge what others say.
Virgo, on the other hand, loves to analyse and criticize, and is intolerant of illogical or erroneous thinking. Virgo is more demanding of others and confronts others when necessary. Libra finds these confrontations extremely uncomfortable and often embarrassing. Virgo is much more exacting and demanding in all areas of life.
Virgo is essentially level-headed with something of a flair for statistics and analysis. Virgo is highly selective and prone to inquiries and examinations. Probably, Libra will find Virgo to be practical, methodical and in possession of natural money handling abilities.
Libra is a nice person and tends to be a bit more cultured and "better" than others. Usually, Libra is also diplomatic enough to help keep your superiority complexes in check. The more that Libra becomes fair-minded, impartial and unprejudiced, the happier Libra becomes. Virgo can be cautious in matters of the heart. Virgo likes to do things for people and tends to be more of a giver than a taker. However, Virgo does need to be thanked.
Libra has the potential for much social intercourse and favorable public contact. To really thrive, Libra needs to be part of a loving, committed "marriage." All things being equal, Libra prefers civil conversation. Libra usually does not find reason for raised voices or crude language at inappropriate times. Embarrassment can be an issue for Libra. Libra likes to ask for advice, but does not like to be told what to do. Libra needs a cushy job in a swanky environment.
Search for other Libra singles »
Chinese Star Signs
The Dog and the Rooster find it difficult to develop a rich, lasting relationship. The Rooster's need for control will often come into conflict with the Dog's need for activity and lack of concern for appearances. As lovers their interests are so discordant they will have to work hard to create a fulfilling love life. Their overall compatibility rating is 50%.
Dogs are loyal, truthful and live by their own uncompromising code of ethics. While very trustworthy, they do find it difficult to trust others. Dogs are faithful friends and exceptional listeners. They are the caped warriors of the Chinese Zodiac in that they will fight injustice and side with the underdog anytime, anyplace.
Dogs can be very rigid in their thinking and behavior. They also tend to be moody and need time alone to sulk and revitalize. Dogs are slow to trust, but with time and evidence that someone is trustworthy they will warm up to them.
Dogs need physical activity to be happy. They will champion any cause they deem worthy.
In the pursuit of love, Dogs may be their own worst enemy. They can become so anxious from engaging in the mating ritual that they create too much stress in their potential partners for their dance of love to be successful.
Note that Chinese star signs are determined by your exact date of birth, and not just your birth year. For more information, read about the Chinese Zodiac »


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QED, a new short drama directed by Amy-Joyce Hastings, has just won an award for Best Overall Short at the Santa Fe Film Festival in the United States.
Exploring the theme of sacrificial love, QED poses the ultimate question, 'What won't love do?'
The film was co-written by Hastings and lead actor Michael O'Kelly (Red Rock). It also stars Donna Anita Nikolaisen (Fair City), Norma Sheahan (Handsome Devil), and Charlene Gleeson (Penny Dreadful) in the principal roles.
QED is actress Hastings' fourth short film as writer/director. In July 2016 she wrote and directed Body of Christ, a micro short commissioned by the Galway Film Centre (UNESCO City of Film). Body of Christ won 2nd place at the 28th Galway Film Fleadh's 'One Minute Film Festival', was nominated for the Micro Cinema Award at the Blackbird Film Festival in New York in April 2017, and took home the Award for Best One Minute Film at the 7th Underground Cinema Film Festival. Previous shorts include Hear Me Now and Nocturne Passage. Film Venture's productions The Callback Queen (feature) and Lily (short film) have
a combined three IFTA nominations since 2016.
Trisha Flood, Danielle Collins, Jannick Ohlendieck and Michael O'Lelly produced, alongside Executive Producers Alan Fitzpatrick and Graham Cantwell for Filmbase and Film Venture respectively. Director of Photography was Jaro Waldeck, with Sonja Mohlich as Costume Designer, Marina Granville as Key Makeup and Hair Artist and Jessica Timlin and Alekson Dal'Armellina on production design. The score was created by two-time Emmy-nominated composer Joseph Conlan and post-production sound was headed up by Dean Jones at Raygun Sound.
The special setting of the Santa Fe Film Festival in the unique and historic City of Santa Fe allows filmmakers, journalists, industry leaders and audiences from around the world to gather together in celebration of film.


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http://www.longato.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/longato-logo1.png 0 0 Flavio Longato http://www.longato.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/longato-logo1.png Flavio Longato2017-04-15 08:35:232018-08-09 09:58:23Excel SEO Formulas you should know
Excel SEO Formulas you should know
Excel is a wonderful tool to manage large rows of data. It is particularly beneficial for SEO as there are many data-intensive tasks such as keyword research, backlink audits, SEO content quality assurance (checking for 404's, <titles> etc…). Below is just some formulas I use day to day, this is mostly for my own use but I've put it here for the sake of house-keeping (For the below formulas to work the value's to be changed should be in cell A2).
Excel formulas for URLS
Remove https and / from the end of an URL
Count number of levels i.e. "/" in domain after TLD
Remove .ifolor from the end of an URL ' * issue I currently have at the
Remove domain and language from URL
Keep only domain
Excel formulas for Date and time formatting to value
Convert hh:mm:ss in Toggl to minutes
How to convert Webtrends date format to value in excel (EU)
=IF(A2<>"Time Period",CONCATENATE(RIGHT(A2,4),".",IF(LEN(LEFT(A2,FIND("/",A2,1)-1))<2,CONCATENATE(0,LEFT(A2,FIND("/",A2,1)-1)),LEFT(A2,FIND("/",A2,1)-1)),".",IF(LEN(SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(MID(A2,FIND("/",A2,1)+1,FIND("/",A2,FIND("/",A2,1))),"/2",""),"/",""))<2,CONCATENATE(0,SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(MID(A2,FIND("/",A2,1)+1,FIND("/",A2,FIND("/",A2,1))),"/2",""),"/","")),SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(MID(A2,FIND("/",A2,1)+1,FIND("/",A2,FIND("/",A2,1))),"/2",""),"/",""))),A2)
Regex formulas to find and replace text
I would highly recommend using notepad++ to do any mass HTML editing/cleaning.
RegEX for finding text before and after specific texts


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Steve Corbató
ORG University of Utah Title Executive Director, CI Strategy BIO Dr. Corbató is the deputy chief information officer at the University of Utah as well as the interim director of the Center for High Performance Computing and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Computing. He has coordinated development and application of campus IT resources in support of faculty-driven research initiatives and is a leader in development of advanced networking and CI capabilities in collaboration with other institutions in Utah and within the Intermountain West. From 2000 to 2006, Corbató served in several leadership positions at Internet2, where oversaw all national network infrastructure activities and later held responsibility for the technology side, including research facilitation, network performance and security, federated identity management, and middleware. Previously, he was technical lead for the Pacific Northwest Gigapop, principal Internet architect and manager of network engineering at University of Washington, Seattle, and a member of the cosmic ray astrophysics research group at the University of Utah. He is vice chair of the Kuali Rice board and recently served on the Mid-Scale Infrastructure Committee for the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate of the National Science Foundation. He received his B.A. cum laude from Rice University and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, both in physics.
- 2014 Technology Exchange
- 2014 Internet2 Global Summit
- Spring 2010 Internet2 Member Meeting


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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CAB Meeting
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM BOE Meeting
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Flex Day Schedule - Periods 0-4 (B Day)
October 28, 2020
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Flex Day Schedule - Periods 5-9 (B Day)
November 3, 2020
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Superintendent Conference Day (Election Day) - No School for Students
November 10, 2020
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CAB Meeting
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM BOE Meeting
November 11, 2020
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM School Closed - Veteran's Day
District News
Chorus Students Delight Audience at Winter Concert
Talented members of the Irvington Middle School's and Irvington High School's choirs performed a varied repertoire and arrangement of holiday classics during their winter chorus concert on Dec. 10.
IMS, IHS Musicians Celebrate Accomplishments at Winter Band Concert
Irvington Middle School and Irvington High School held their winter band concert on Dec. 6, which featured performances from the talented members of the middle school's bands and jazz band, as well as the high school's concert band and jazz and wind ensembles.
Welcome to Irvington Middle School! Located on a campus that is shared with Irvington High School, our school is focused on addressing the needs of the whole child – academic, social, emotional, and physical. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment that is focused on the needs of early adolescent learners.
Students at IMS engage with a challenging course of study with a particular focus on developing sound habits that will support them in their growth as learners and involved citizens. Our curriculum is focused on teaching students to engage deeply with relevant content and to build their skills as flexible thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators. Included in our program are acceleration opportunities in the areas of Mathematics, Science, World Language, and Art, as well as a wide range of supports to assist students in becoming successful, self-reliant young adults.
Beyond the classroom, IMS offers a rich mix of extracurricular experiences that include clubs, athletics, and service opportunities. Our students participate in a multitude of clubs and play a leadership role in our school through our Student Council. Some of these clubs include Midnight Run, French Club, IMS Yearbook, and Drama Club. Athletically, students have the option of participating on one or more of our Modified Sports teams, as well as being a part of our Intramural program. One of the highlights of the IMS experience is our annual 8th grade trip to Washington, DC.
We are proud of our school and the positive environment that we strive to create. We look forward to talking with you about any areas of interest that you may have in our school.
It is the goal of the Irvington Union Free School District to ensure that content on our website is accessible to all individuals. Efforts have been made to ensure that our website complies with New York State standards on website accessibility. For more information on our accessibility efforts and to find out how to optimize your experience using this site, please click the Accessibility link above. If the format of any material on the District's current website interferes with your ability to access information and you require an accommodation, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com


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The famous WWE pro-wrestler and actor, Dwayne Douglas Johnson aka The Rock's daughter Simone Alexandra Johnson is already a celebrity. The 16-year-old Simone came in the highlights after appearing in the 2017 People's Choice Awards, on January 18.
The 2018 Golden Globe Ambassador title holder, Simone is reported to have signed with a renowned modeling agency, IMG Models. Well, everyone's interested to know about the relationship status of Dwayne's daughter. So, is she dating someone? If so, who is her boyfriend?
Dwayne Johnson and his daughter Simone Alexandra Johnson
Source: Heightline
Let's know all about Simone Alexandra Johnson's relationship, boyfriend, and affairs in this section.
Simone, who has acquired more than 283,000 followers on her Instagram, has not spoken about her love life openly. She is not reported to be dating anyone nor she is seen sharing any related post on her Instagram.
With her fame and cuteness, she has won the hearts of many, however, she seems not to have found a perfect one for herself.
Furthermore, she is only 16, so maybe Simone is not ready to get engaged in a relationship. So, it's better to say that Simone is officially single.
But, she can be seen sharing lovely moments with her father and friends though. Have a look.
Well, Simone is not with her biological mother, Dany Garcia. Dwayne divorced Dany after 10 years of marriage on June 1, 2007, and started dating the daughter of the late Boston drummer Sib Hashian, Lauren Hashian. The couple shares 2 daughters as well.
Adding up, Simone and Lauren are in a good relationship too. Have a look.
Dwayne Johnson with his daughter Simone and girlfriend Lauren(right)
Source: Hello Magazine
Even though Simone is not dating anyone at the moment, she is sure to find a beautiful man someday in future.
Let's wait for the day and wish Johnson's family best for further.
If someone thinks of dating Simone Johnson, then be aware of Dwayne aka The Rock, former WWE Heavyweight Champion. In his interview with Speaking in a Q&A session, Dwayne was asked about his reaction if he comes to know his daughter is dating her boyfriend.
He said:
I'd be like "OK cool, well bring him in. Then he comes in, "Hello, what's your name?" "Hi my name is..."
Right there. What that is, is the throat I'm grabbing, that means I'm choking the life out of this boy, and then he goes down. Simone's not in the room right now because she was escorted out. You're fighting for your life. Stay down there. And that's how I would react.'
We do have a video too, have a look.
Really, felt so serious and real, right? But, that's not exactly how Dwayne would treat in real. Dwayne was actually joking and in person, he seems to be a loving and caring father.
That's a father's love. Currently, Dwayne is busy in filming his upcoming movie Fighting With My family which is set to release on September 14, 2018. Hope to see Dwayne and his daughter sharing lovely father-daughter moments on its premiere.
Stay tuned for more updates!


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Air Filtration Systems
An air filtration system is a system that purifies the air and cleans it of pollutants. Its purpose is to improve the air quality of an indoor space. Weis Heating and Cooling is the best choice for all things related to Grover, MO filtration systems. From answering your questions to finding the right product for you to installing and maintaining your system, Weis is here for you. Request information online or call us at 636-432-5032 today.
Grover, MO Air Filtration Systems
Grover, MO air filtration systems come in different sizes and utilize different filtration strategies. On a fundamental level, all HVAC systems use some kind of air filter. They keep large particles such as dust and pollen from being circulated through your home via the air ducts. Other systems make use of multiple filters in one system. There are portable single-room air cleaners as well as whole-home systems.
The Purpose of Air Filters
Grover, MO air filtration systems contain products that catch solid particles in addition to chemicals and gasses. Different filtration methods target different pollutants, and different products will meet different needs.
Air filtration systems are useful for removing the following from the air in a Grover, MO home:
- dust
- pollen
- mold
- smoke
- pet hair and dander
- bacteria and viruses
- volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Grover residents who suffer from allergies, asthma, and other health issues are especially sensitive to air pollutants. This makes a quality air filtration system a must for these people. Still, even if their health is excellent, everyone benefits from improving the air quality in their home. Filtration systems assist a home with air cleanliness, health threats, and stuffiness and odor problems.
Types of Air Filters
There are different types of filters commonly used in Grover, MO air filtration systems. Each one has their own benefits and weaknesses. Those filters include:
- Mechanical filters: Commonly made of layers of fiberglass, cotton, or polyester, these are the simplest filters. They trap the largest particles that are carried in the air but are too big to pass through the fibrous layers. While fiberglass filters are really only effective enough to keep large particles from damaging your HVAC system, pleated cotton or polyester filters are slightly more effective and can help purify the air for your health.
- HEPA filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a type of mechanical filter, but they work a little differently. The design consists of fibers that, instead of being arranged in simple layers, are randomly woven and contorted throughout the sealed filter itself. It works by slowing down and bringing to a stop even very small particles, in addition to trapping the larger pieces. HEPA filters are highly efficient, blocking at least 99.7% of particles 0.3 microns or bigger.
- Electronic filters: These include electrostatic filters and ionizers. They emit charged ions or ozone into the room. They come in contact with particles in the air and give those particles a charge. The formerly neutral pollutants leave the air and instead stick to surfaces like walls and floors. The electrostatic filter goes one step further and collects the charged particles in the machine.
- Activated Carbon filters: An activated carbon filter is a porous carbon that combats gasses and odors, and is usually used as a supplement to one of the other types of filters. Powerful activated carbon filters can even trap volatile organic compounds.
- UV lights: UV lights kill many germs. As such, UV lights are often used within an to eliminate harmful microbes and viruses.
Keeping the Air in Your Grover, MO Home Clean
You can also take extra steps to improve the air quality in your home. To supplement your Grover air filtration system, try any of these tips:
- When the weather permits, open your windows to let less-polluted outside air inside your house. As long as you don't have seasonal allergies, allow outside air into your home when you can.
- Clean and vacuum regularly. Some particles are too small to be trapped by an air filter and can only catch particles when they are in the air. Once particles land on the floor or another surface, an air filter cannot contain them. Vacuuming floors and cleaning surfaces help keep dust out of your air.
- Be aware of your chemical use and storage. Heavy-duty cleaning chemicals or products like paint and glue pollute the air you breathe as well. If you must have chemical products, keep them in the garage or basement, away from your living areas.
- Use exhaust fans. Most homes have fans to help move air from the kitchen and the bathrooms.
Learn about some of the other services Weis Comfort Systems provides, including:
Contact Weis Comfort Systems today. We carry top industry brands and have a team of highly qualified technicians. Your comfort and safety are important to us and we will make sure you get the Grover, MO air filtration system that meets your needs. With health and safety concerns in the fore, we want to do everything we can to help. Making sure your Grover, MO home has an effective, high-quality air filtration system in place is a great way to do that.


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All successful people have at least one thing in common: A success mindset.
It doesn't matter if they are a businessperson, an artist, a successful athlete, or an inventor. They all have the attitude and qualities to rise above their own personal troubles and to see things others can't or don't see.
Why is it that some people are more successful than their peers are? They may be average in looks and come from backgrounds with various struggles and little money. Yet they become very successful.
Your lot in life isn't what determines what you can or cannot achieve. Having the right state of mind is a key factor to being successful in business and life in general. The way you think about succeeding can help you move ahead or keep you stagnant.
Many times our thoughts are what hold us back from succeeding at something. We second-guess ourselves. We have doubts. We have negative thoughts or opinions. We tell ourselves that we aren't good enough, smart enough, talented enough, or whatever fits the situation. This is all self-sabotaging behavior, which can be changed.
What is Mindset?
Everyone has heard of the law of attraction and positive thinking. Mindset is these and more. Mindset is the way we perceive success. It is the negative, fear induced thoughts that hold you back versus positive, self-supporting thoughts that help you grow.
Your mindset has three basic parts - your IQ, the behavioral patterns you've learned, and your abilities or skills. Your mindset is your beliefs about yourself and your most basic qualities. It's what you believe about your intelligence, your talent, your personality, and your abilities. It's the belief of whether you believe these traits are fixed traits that can't be changed or if they can be learned and improved upon throughout your life.
There are two kinds of mindset: fixed mindset and growth mindset.


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The Latest products from Buckingham Palace
New Arrivals
Food Hall
Teacups and Saucers
Floral stud earrings white a central white pearl framed by two hand-carved jade leaves on sterling silver studs.
1.5 x 1.5 cm.
8 mm pearl.
UK - From £4.95
Europe - From £15
US and Canada - From £20
Rest of World - From £30
For full shipping rates, please click here.
Royal Collection Trust Shop offers free returns on all UK deliveries. Items must be returned with the sales invoice within 28 days of the purchase date. Due to hygiene reasons, pierced earrings cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
For full details on returns, please click here.
Product code: 100663


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Have you ever looked at the exterior of your house? Of course, you do. In fact, it's likely you see it almost every day. But, one thing you might be overlooking is its curb appeal. It's no secret that most of us lead very busy lives. And that means we don't spend as much time as we'd like improving our exterior decor.
There are many reasons why you ought to do something about your house's exterior styling. Aside from improving its looks, you will lower the risk of burglary. That's because thieves like to target homes they think aren't occupied. Here are my five top tips that you can easily do to improve your home's curb appeal:
1. Paint (or clean) your exterior walls
Houses will either have painted or unpainted walls. If yours aren't painted, you should spend some time cleaning them. A pressure washer with a misting lance won't damage the masonry. For those with painted walls, consider giving them a new coat of paint.
The advantage of either option is that it makes your house look fresh and clean. Believe it or not, it can even help to increase the value of your property!
2. Refurbish your garage
Most people don't think much about their garages. But, they are an extension of your house. You wouldn't live in a house with a hole in your windows, would you? And you certainly wouldn't live somewhere with a broken front door.
With those points in mind, make sure that your garage windows aren't damaged. You should also consider upgrading to a Carteck or similar door. It will both improve the exterior of your garage and improve its security.
3. Stain your fence panels
Aside from your house, people will also notice the look of your fence panels. If yours look unhappy, stain them in the color of your choice. You might think that all you're doing here is brightening up the style of your fences. But, the staining process also helps to preserve the wood. It's something you should carry out at least once a year, and only during the summer.
4. Use a pressure washer to clean your driveway
It doesn't matter whether you've got asphalt or pavers on your driveway. You still need to make sure that it's clean and free of weeds. One of the easiest ways to achieve that goal is by using a pressure washer.
In case you wondered, you can get lance attachments that will stop the dirt getting blasted onto cars! The attachments are like giant radial brushes.
5. Grow some plants
Last, but not least, consider growing some attractive plants outside your home. It doesn't just improve your home's curb appeal. It also helps to raise the profile of your street too. I can guarantee you that some of your neighbors will start doing the same thing too. One could say you're a trend-setter!
Be sure to select plants that are easy to maintain. Otherwise, you'll need to dedicate a lot of time tending to them. Good luck!


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Thursday, January 12, 2017
A New Year Surprise!
We are so fortunate to have a Snake Man who lives in our neighborhood who agreed to take in the orphan and has since named him Homer! A homer he is and he has a good one now with one who knows how to take care of him and who will keep him alive until spring when he can go out to the wild and share his own snakey story of survival.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


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Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. You know how I'm only like four months old, right? Well in that time, my own mother has put me in numerous outfits that she thinks is adorable. Since I'm just a wee baby, I do not really object too much. But I ask you, does this seem a bit OTT???
Exhibit A – Hats.
It all began in the hospital. She said it was to keep my head warm but I didn't see any other babies in the nursery with a grinning bear on their noggin…
Here I am just chillin' out with an owl on my head like it's perfectly normal:
"Whoooo does she think she is?" (Heh. See what I did there…)
Here begins my obsession with Star Wars:
"Yoda craziest mom ever, I says!"
"Does this look like the face of a leprechaun???"
Here I am at Disneyland:
I'm too wee to go on any rides so what do we do instead. Try on hats!!!
"It's mad I tell you!"
This one is not really a hat.
It's my favorite Elmo towel!
Last but not least, my mom's most recent purchase.
I am telling the truth when I say that the second my mom saw this hat, she stuck it on my head, lifted me up, and sang It's the Circle of Life.
Exhibit 2 – My mom says it's customary to wear an outfit for every holiday:
Valentine's Day.
I can handle the tie. But the LEG WARMERS!!! Really?
St. Patrick's Day.
"Pucker up."
Luckily, my mom had problems with my Easter outfit on Etsy. I'm sure it would have looked something like this though:
Exhibit tres – Various onesies made to look fancier than they are.
Here I am the day I met my Gran and Grampa. AND my tie is crooked!
Is there a doctor in the house?
Business casual.
Now I know there are many more I haven't shown AND many more in months to come. But be honest. Do any of these outfits make my bum look big??? NO? Ok then.
xoxo Ewan – the baby.


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The independent consultant conducting the forensic audit released last week revealed no evidence leading to legal action against former Mayor Mark Begich and his administration. KSKA's Len Anderson reports the primary use of the report could now be to help the assembly build safeguards against any future information gaps.
- Assembly authorizes audit of Begich administration (17 Feb 2010)
- Begich audit delayed, but debate continues (3 Feb 2010)
- Wheeler report accepted and posted on municipal web site (2 Dec 2009)
- Municipal Attorney Says Begich Failed to Inform Assembly About Budget Gap (19 Nov 2009)
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Download Audio (MP3)


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Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) integrates mechanical and electrical components which has the ability to sense, control and actuate on macro scale. Micro-Electromechanical Systems ranges from micrometers to millimeters which are fabricated using integrated circuit batch processing techniques. MEMS consists of two major components namely the micro sensors and micro actuators. The MEMS sensors measures information from a surrounding environment and outputs an electronic signal proportional to the measured parameter. This signal is then fed to micro actuators which performs the defined function.
MEMS sensors are, an integrated part of the micro electromechanical systems and are developed and supplied either with the entire system or individually as a component. The MEMS technology utilizes expertise from multiple industrial domains from mechanical engineering to packaging technology. MEMS sensors find applications in most of the industries including the automotive, electronics and communication, healthcare and defense. The MEMS sensors have become an integral part of some of the well-known appliances, devices and systems in our day-to-day life including biosensors, accelerometers for airbag sensors, blood pressure sensors, inkjet printer heads, read/write heads, computer disk drive, projection display chips, micro-valves and optical switches.
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One of the prominent factor supporting the growth of MEMS sensors market is the small size of these systems. Micro electromechanical systems can be integrated on-chip. Moreover, the micro sensors can be mass manufactured at lower manufacturing cost and still can deliver improved reliability. These factors are driving the growth of MEMS sensors market and are expected to elevate the growth rate during the forecast period 2017 – 2025.
Global Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors market can be segmented on the basis of type, end-use industry, and geography. Based on type, the Micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors market can be segmented into mechanical, thermal, chemical, radiant, magnetic, electrical and others. The end-use industry segment of the micro electromechanical systems sensors market can be bifurcated into electronics and telecommunication, defense and aerospace, healthcare, automotive, energy and power, and others.
Geographically, the micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. The countries in developed regions such as North America and Europe are focusing on increasing the integration of micro electromechanical systems into critical applications such as healthcare, aerospace and defense. The micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors market is expected to witness prominent growth in these regions owing to the increasing investments in MEMS research and development activities for technological advancements. Furthermore, the micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa with the developments in defense, aerospace and healthcare industries.
The Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors market in Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit strong growth during the forecast period 2017 – 2025. The countries such as China, India and Singapore are anticipated to dominate the micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors market in this region. Moreover, owing to the investments in the research and development for the healthcare segment in the Middle East and Africa region, especially in gulf countries. For instance, micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors market in Middle East and Africa is expected to witness noteworthy growth during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.
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Some of the key players involved in the Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors market includes AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc., Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Amphenol Corp., Analog Devices, Inc., Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp., Epson Europe Electronics GmbH, Gems Sensors & Controls, Infineon Technologies AG, Invensense, Inc., MEMSIC, Inc., Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbH, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., NXP Semiconductors N.V., Panasonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Rohm Co., Ltd., Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd, Stmicroelectronics N.V., and Texas Instruments, Inc.


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Escapist News Now: Bravely Default Censored in Western Market
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Bravely Default Censored in Western Market
Square Enix's upcoming Japanese role playing game Bravely Default for the 3DS is coming to North America next month, but it won't have the same outfits seen in the Japanese version.
I was born in 1980. I'm actually surprised at how little comparatively gets censored. Regardless, I can get behind desexualising fifteen year old girls.
I wouldn't see this much as censorship as much as what it actually is: localization. Western audiences tend to frown on underage sexualization.
This is actually to comply with culture... The Legal Age of Sex in Japan is 13 which is why, in theory, they can get away with some of the amines and video games coming out of Japan have more younger sexual images. In Western Countries the average age of consent is 16-18 and bringing the age up to 18 would make sense for western audiences.
If it was left at the ages they were, how many people and groups would call foul? Mother's groups, etc.
EDIT Thanks for the spelling correction.
I would cry foul if this didn't involve sexualising obvious minors. You win this one, Square Enix.
No, seriously, I take this issue rather... seriously, if only because I'm fed up with all those loli-faces in the fanservice-sphere. But my reasons for that are tied into what every other poster thus far has said. You may be a small bunch thus far, but a smart one.
Also, the age of consent thing in Japan is a little more complex than what IKWerewolf described. If you wish to learn more, might I suggest the Nostalgia Critic's review of Sailor Moon.
Shoot man, I'd probably call foul. I'm not saying I'd start a boycott or anything, but I wouldn't buy the game. I don't think it would encourage or promote child abuse, but it's an issue that is too prevalent in the states for me to be comfortable with in a game. I agree that this seems like a localization issue and not censorship. Censorship might be too strong a word for this anyway.
how many people and groups would call fowl?
P.S. Is it calling fowl or foul in this context? Lol, I've never tried to write down the phrase before, but it seems like one has you yelling about birds. :p
Agreed, this seems more like localization than it does censorship to me. Now an example of censorship would definitely be from Nintendo of America in the 90s removing pretty much anything that could ever even possibly hint at religion. I always see people question though why Japan does this, but some people have to remember that the age of consent in Japan is actually only 13 years old, while in most European countries it's 16-18 and in the US it's 18.
You Ninja'd me! >.<
This isn't censorship, it's tact.
I'm not saying dress them in full nun garb but the fact the whole cast looks like a 12 year olds swimming party is disheartening.
I just had a thought, in Japan are females over 20 seen as past there peek sexually? Everything in the media is all about young girls, being 20+ in Japan must be like being 50+ in the western world.
I wouldn't really call this censorship, either. I agree with the point about it simply being localisation. Generally speaking, I am all for the artistic direction being kept, as oppose to losing gore etc... but this I would say is fair play. Japan's age of consent is indeed rather grey...
Omega616, I would not say that they are seen as past their peak. In the west we sexualise 18 year olds for the most part, but I personally wouldn't say a 28 year old is past their prime. A lot of Japan sexualises teens - AKB48 is a fantastic example, where they "graduate" from the band when they reach a certain age - but there is currently a 25 year old in the group (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuko_Oshima). Aaaas you can see though, she will be graduating soon...
For those of you who want a cursory glance at the ages of the rest of the "band", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AKB48#Members - I say "band" because it really is just young models pretending that they can sing...
During the second Monday of January there is what is known as 成人の日, or Coming of Age Day, and it celebrates when people turn 20 years old as they are indeed recognized as full-fledged adults for the first time, sorta like how being 18 is considered being an Adult in the US, but you can't do everything until your 21. It's celebrated to commemorate all of those who turned 20 in the past year, and is celebrated by a festival. However there has been increasingly low attendance due to the fact that Japan is going through a population problem in that not many young people are having couples, and the life expectancy in Japan has increased over time.
As I said on the other thread, I am okay with then changing the ages of the characters, but I didn't like the clothing changes, so I won't buy it.
Boy, you don't know how close you are.
In case you don't want to waste your evening browsing TVTropes, basically japanese woman over 25 are undesirable for marriage because they are "too old". As the page says, it's becoming a discredited trope, but it's not uncommon and it shows up a lot on media.
Based on those images, they've gone from cuckoo-bonkers-oversexualized-15-year-old girls to just bonkers-oversexualized-18-year-old girls-who-look-like-15-year-old-girls.
I said it in the other thread and I'll say it here again: this is fine because really the art style doesn't really lend itself well to making the characters look "sexy", no matter their age. If the art style was more realistic and the characters were deliberately designed around sexiness, ala the Sorceress from Dragon's Crown or all the girls from DoA, then these changes would probably have more impact.
I agree with people who say this feels more like localization than any true form or censorship.
That said, I'd prefer the game as originally intended or at least have the loli-setting for the 'purist'. It's merely a preference though, this isn't news that would influence my buying decision in any possible way.
What bothers me, is that the company looks at the west and thinks "Better make this more chaste. Those guys are sensitive.". The reason that bothers me, is that they're right, the west is highly, especially in the states.
No one is going to become a pedophile because of this game, they're cartoon characters, it has nothing to do with reality. I wish it was that simple for everyone.
However, the most important works in media are the ones that challenges our perspectives, provokes a response and forces us beyond our boundaries.
It's an interesting thought, to me at least.
You know, I am somewhat ok with it when I saw the compared images but in saying so realism is never a thing in video game!
Hard to know for sure, but it is a solid point. It's sort of annoying because, on the one hand, the game developers use what they know (their own personal culture, mores and beliefs) to craft their games; an unaltered product, straight from the heart, would be the least tarnished. But at the same time, game developers need game sales to stay in business, so they have to temper what they think and feel to cater to a wider market... or become an indie dev, I guess.
In this case I don't care one way or the other, 12 year old cartoon characters don't look sexy whether they're in full plate or a bikini. I just want the armor they wear to match the aesthetic of the world they're in, and not be artificially altered from the original to placate some herpderps who have no sense of cultural significance or no ability to look up age of consent laws in the game's country of origin to figure out why it might be the way it is.
I wouldn't be opposed to a different version of the game specifically for those people, like Bravely Default: This Time For the Sexually Insecure, but at least keep the original available as well :/
Which do you prefer? Devs tiptoeing around outdated sensibilities or feminists and conservatives deriding a game for its outfits? Decisions, decisions.
I wish people would get over the underage thing. Child porn is banned so that children aren't exploited. I have no idea why anything that does not at any point involve an actual sexual act by a child is persecuted. And I don't even consider these kinds of characters sexy. They're too cute for that.
Lastly, I think I prefer the censored versions because they're not blatant fanservice and probably make more sense in-game, but I don't think they should exist because of irrational bullshit.
Y'know its funny.... When I was 15 I had no problem with the sexualization of 15 year olds. But now that I am an adult, I find it pretty creepy (go figure).
I don't mind sexualization of amines, but amides and nucleotides is where I draw the line! (Sorry, I had to, your overall comment was actually great and you make an excellent point that I have nothing to add to except my agreement.)
OT: Honestly I don't really care about this one way or the other. This is a sprite based 3DS game meaning the characters are quite small. If I were a person who got turned on by 15 year old girls in skimpy outfits I'm not sure I would squint at my screen just to get my fix. If I were a person who got offended by it I wouldn't have noticed unless it was pointed out to me.
HOWEVER the fact that it does bother people makes it a good idea to do these small changes. As someone else have already pointed out this is primarily a matter of tact rather than censorship.
The outfits look better now.
Though their kinda getting over it, traditional Japanese values expect a woman to be married young, and to retire after doing so (in some cases they're expected to only take a job to find herself a husband). An unmarried woman over 25 is considered past her peak, and may have trouble finding a husband. Again, they seem to be getting over this, but slow steps.
Its also a case of who these games are targeted at - teenagers and young adults. Older demographic ahows/games/manga feature older characters (such as the weekly manga Shooting Stars in the Twilight aimed at the over 60's)
In short, as I've said elsewhere, there's a worry these might be used to groom children. Specifically, someone showing sexualised art or hentai anime/manga featuring underage characters to minors and using the fact its a cartoon, game or comic to normalise abuse.
The above reason was used to have the anime Adventure Kid have its name changed to Adventure Duo in the UK (aside from the usual mandated BBFC cuts for content).
Why is everyone here worried about sexualization of fictional characters? They don't exist.
I hate censorship with a passion, and whilst I don't see this case as a particular problem (since it's only a few pixels), it's what it opens the gate for in terms of changing art and videogames. "IT MAKES ME UNCOMFORTABLE" is not grounds for changing things.
"Western audiences are uncomfortable sexualising 15 year olds"
LMFAO all the way to Japan!
Has anyone watched a music video lately or an ad for a girls makeup set or dolls like Brats... FFS Western corporations have been sexualising kids from 10 up for as long as product marketing has existed. This is just a product that happens to have been noticed and targeted likely for more to do with the fact that its a videogame. Its just a point in history where games are under the spotlight, if they were little dolls made by Matel no one would have batted an eyelid, but if they are pixel action well hold the phone a minute, this needs to be dealt with!
For better or worse games are the current "Elvis's hips" topic of the moment...
The question everyone should be asking themselves is why do we popularise these products that DO in fact sexualise children to a degree its such a massive market??? I mean parents buy this stuff for their kids.... WTF is up with that ??
Im not in favour of banning much in life or censoring much else, but we need to take a look at ourselves when a woman dresses in a school girl outfit and sings "hit me baby one more time" and we go for it in droves....
The Japs are no weirder than the next nation, they just seem to be less worried about projecting it in public. Maybe one day we will see the British Judiciary show us what they wear under their robes but for now, we can just enjoy being white folks poking fun at the odd little Asian types right?
No they tend to just choose their vehicles of child sexualisation differently is all....
"New concerns over the body image and lifestyle the Bratz dolls allegedly promote were raised by the American Psychological Association when they established their "Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls" in February 2007. In their published report, they cited concern over the adult-like sexuality the Bratz dolls allegedly portray.[2]"
am i the only one who prefers everything to remain rather untouched no matter how creepy? hell these conversations are the reason why Yakiza 5 (main heroin becoming a pop singer) and the period Yakuza (in one Kazuma falls in love with a 13 year old Gaisha) games won't ever be localized.
Or you could just do a Google search. Even Wikipedia's bound to be more comprehensive than the Nostalgia Critic's coverage.
It does, however, put the Barenaked Ladies' "One Week" in perspective.
It's still censorship. The problem here appears to be that people dislike admitting censorship can be something other than evil. And while I'm reticent to support censorship, this is censorship, and that's okay.
Something very unlikely to change about underage girls. About underage anyone, really.
Forget Bratz, did you ever see a Kidz Bop ad? I haven't had cable in a while, but early on they had little girls grinding to "Genie in a Bottle" (singing "gotta rub me the right way") and much later, they had them doing it to hip-hop and "This Love" (hopefully leaving out the fingers bit).
I would personally be more worried about child pageants and music videos with tween strip shows than either Bratz or Bravely Default. Thankfully, it's not either/or.
The question is, do we really want other parts of the world treating the west like oversensitive prudes?
First of all minors are sexual beings, both boys and girls. I know I had sexual experiences before I was 18. At 15 most people have gone through puberty and had some sort of sexual experience, whether masturbation, kissing, hugging or heavy petting, or in some cases more.
I don't see anything wrong with the original ages or original outfits. Really the first outfit is revealing and sexually suggestive in both versions.
I don't like this kind of stuff because it implies that the original version was morally deficient, that it was bad, perverted and needed to be changed. I don't believe that is true, I don't believe there was anything morally repugnant about the original Japanese game and Nintendo is underestimating its audience in the west.
They certainly are more tasteful. Then again, with the character models being what they are I find the whole idea of them being sexualized kind of strange since they're human in only the vaguest sense.
Would you rather be seen as a prude when it comes to children in lingerie, or be seen like everyone else sees Japan, that creepy purveyor of pedophilia, used panties, train molestations, naked game shows, and treating women poorly?
And, if you want to talk more about the reality of Japan than just what most people think of it, Japan comes across a lot more prudish than the west. We have an issue with little girls in sexualized clothing in some games, whereas Japan censors their pornography, that thing that's supposed to be sexualized and titillating.
Censorship my fucking ass!!
This means there's costume options for the game but we don't get access to it, which is fucking bullshit!
Just include all costumes in the game and give us the option to choose what we want to see you bastards!
My question is whats with JRPG's having the dumbest, most nonsensical titles ever? And no, I'm not talking about Final Fantasy, there was a logical reason for that it just became ironic when it turned out to be successful.
No I mean games like this: Bravely Default...Infinite Undiscovery...Ys....Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel...ok seriously wtf? Hard to imagine they sound any less ridiculous in Japanese either.
It isn't censorship if the creator's do it of their own volition. That's just localization. This is really no different than Nier being released in the west with an older, burlier protagonist.
I'm afraid to say that regardless of the apparent censorship there is something distinctly wrong with JRPG art styles and art direction when it comes to female representation.
Don't get me wrong I'm hardly Anita Sarkeesian here but....seriously. Eastern depictions of females are distinctly wrong in any responsible adult's understanding of visual imagery.
Bravely Default is likely rather inoffensive but its the overarching unacceptability of eastern depictions of young girls that simply goes one step to far at all times. You can see the insidious influence it has even in western emulations...the Skyrim modding community is simply overwhelmed with pedophiles that are all rooted in this cultural acceptance of extremely sexualized children that comes directly out of JRPG art styles.
Now I'm not saying this stuff should be censored or banned, but I think its cultural and societal impacts should be considered and perhaps restricted to an adults only rating...cause to be frank, some of this stuff could get you put in jail, with cause, simply by possessing it on your computer, by a jury of your peers in America (Not referring to Bravely Default here...just in general).
And as sweet and innocent as you may believe your anime waifu to be, no matter how much respect you show for that depiction of innocence and beauty and strength and whatever other glowing positive word you want to associate with a non-existent female that embodies your ideals of what the perfect girl should be....somewhere on the internet, someone is having sex with it...and its their sister, or worse, their daughter. I apologize for the bluntness of that statement but it is a fact...not a supposition or an assumption. Feel free to look for your waifu on any japanese related Skyrim screenshot repository, or for the true art connoisseur, DeviantArt..she'll be there, usually stuffed with penises.
Now this isn't to say that all fans of this genre fall into this disgusting and horrifically imbalanced behavior...because they don't. But its the slow but sure creep of a cultural acceptance of "accepting the differences of another culture" that gives reinforcement to what is, in some people, truly an expression of mental illness. They think its okay because its not a real girl or a real person.....and its not okay. Fantasizing about murder is not okay...its not "okay" just because you didn't really do it.
Now you can't equate playing a shooter game to fantasizing about murder the same way you can't equate playing a JRPG to fantasizing about molesting underage girls. But the issue as it stands is we don't have an obvious issue of people directly fantasizing about murder due to shooter games(this isn't to say its not happening its just got a lot less direct visual evidence that you can find on Google)..whereas there is extreme and direct evidence all over the internet of people fantasizing about molesting underage girls and a good amount of this vicarious fantasy is based on JRPG and anime style characters...cause as compared to fantasizing about actual real underage females, people think that this is acceptable because it has no true intent of harm because you cannot harm something that doesn't exist...but that doesn't make it right. Its still a seriously imbalanced form of sexual expression....regardless.
So, no offense to fans of the genre and art style...you didn't make it wrong by liking it...someone else did by...well the obvious reasons they made it wrong.
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Health officials worldwide are taking no chances with a fast moving deadly mystery virus. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?or SARS?has infected at least 5,500 people including 65 in the United States, with more cases developing by the day. At least 50 deaths have been attributed to the virus so far.
Hayley Sterling reports authorities are shutting down hospitals, schools and apartment buildings from Hong Kong to Ontario in an attempt to contain the spread of the illness.
Immunologists and healthcare professionals throughout the world are growing more alarmed as they learn new characteristics of a mystery virus that spreads easily. The Centers for Disease Control president Dr. Julie Gerberding?
?The global epidemic continues to expand. Today, the WHO is reporting 1,491 cases and 54 deaths, plus the 62 cases that we are reporting here in the United States. We continue to regard the new coronavirus as the early hypothesis for the etiology of this condition. The evidence is mounting from a number of international labs that this indeed is the case; but we are also exploring other potential viruses, as are collaborators.?
Health officials in Ontario report they know of at least 100 suspected cases and have isolated three groups where spread of the virus can be traced back to?health care workers, hospital patients?and their visitors.
The first Canadian to die of SARS had just returned from a trip to Hong Kong where she contracted the illness?
?We believe, based on what the investigations have shown us so far, that the major mode of transmission still is through droplet spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets are spread to a nearby contact. But we are concerned about the possibility of airborne transmission across broader areas and also the possibility that objects that become contaminated in the environment could serve as modes of spread.?
The virus has hit mainland China the hardest. Even the doctor who first identified the virus died Saturday. The World Health Organization is particularly concerned about Hong Kong, which reports dozens of new cases daily.
Health authorities are taking no chances. This mystery illness prompts people of all ages to wear surgical masks. Public areas, elevators, lobbies and subway stations are getting disinfected. The government has imposed ten-day quarantines on anyone who has had close contact with a victim.
Epidemiologists say SARS resembles other viruses such as the common cold?but it can be contagious for up to ten days after symptoms first appear. The CDC says no current antiviral drugs or other treatments tested against SARS have been effective.


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Those words from Janis Joplin's popular song "Me & Bobbie McGee" used to haunt me every time I thought about them or heard them on the radio. I'm not sure what she meant, exactly, but Janis was no stranger to troubled times, nor am I...so I always felt a sort of secret understanding about what she meant. I'm not going to take liberties with Janis' presumed intentions, but I was a close friend of someone who knew her well...well enough to greet her at the Santa Fe airport whenever she wanted to escape from the bright lights and tumultuous world celebrities live in and take her to a secluded little mountain town in the Sangre de Christo mountains where she wrote and recorded that song.
Freedom's a big word. Like the words Love, Truth, Honor and a few others like that, there are a lot of variations in meaning. Janis had nothing in the beginning of her music career, and eventually had every material thing money could buy...but as it often happens with stardom and life in general, it couldn't buy her what she wanted most...love.
We Have a Winner!
We are pleased to announce the winner of Book #183 of the Silver Edition of A Matter Of Time drawn recently from the names of people who signed up for our official Mailing List as part of the recent launch of the 4th Edition (eBook).
Roger Wyer, of La Vista, California is proud new owner of this limited edition collectors' item, which comes signed, sealed and numbered (only 500 were printed), and in its own special cover design. The last dozen of these books sold for $50 each, and will go up in price and value with each hundred sold. When they're gone, they're gone...that's it.
Roger's a good friend and long-time supporter (we had our eyes closed when we drew his name from our list), and we're pleased to send it to him...as soon as he sends us $50.00 for postage and handling. (Just kidding, Roger)
There's a great story about the creation of this very unique version of Don's book, and why it was created. You can find out more about it at....
Miracles & Wonders
Miracles & Wonders
My life's been a series of miracles and wonders, even though I've put myself through hell and back to come to that conclusion. I've always loved that expression sung so poetically by Paul Simon for entirely different reasons, but as I look back over the rock and rubble-strewn roads and no roads at all at times that I've covered in my life, I marvel at how I've managed to stay alive and sane throughout the journey. To me, having grown up in a military family and traveled all my life, everything's always been a new challenge to adapt to...something more to learn from, another hurdle to leap along the way when I knew damn well there had to be a highway nearby. I've always relished those highways and freeways when I could find them and stay on them, but inevitably I'd find a way to plunge back into the rocks and rubble and jungles, perplexed and distraught at times but always glad eventually that I've seen the things I've seen and done the things I've done in my life. No way could I have predicted in my wildest dreams the paths I've trod and trails I've carved with my physical hands and with my soul's relentless drive to know more and do more with the mysteries of this Earthly journey I've somehow contracted to be on this time around.
Today's eBook Release Party on Facebook was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who attended - great interaction, questions, comments and well-wishes.
KOMO - Channel 4 Seattle, WA
Excerpts from Interview on Northwest Afternoon
KOMO - Channel 4 Seattle, WA
February 24, 2006