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What you should Remember With regards to your Baby's RestSleep is very important for your little one's early development and growth. However , you might find it hard to get your baby away to sleep or perhaps, she may well slips naturally into good sleep habits. An infant cannot recognize the difference among day and night. The most common sleep routine of a typical baby during the first of all 2 months of a lot more to at random sleep via 16 to 20 hours within a 24 hour routine. If your baby is put to sleep awake regularly at the same time every night, the baby's sleep pattern will start to alter and will be attempting to sleep for longer periods when the baby reached main to doze weeks old.
Baby Going to bed Difficulties
There are a lot of reasons which enables babies starts waking up during the night time. It could have got something to do with the temperature of his room, the lights and venting, or the sound present within your home or perhaps in the community. If so , try to resolve the situation. Other reasons are illnesses or some developing changes. For instance , if your baby has learned a new developmental skill including learning to investigate, he might need to try it out every likelihood he gets, even within his normal sleeping hours.
Baby Going to bed Guidelines
Every parent could have different tales to tell the moment talking about all their newborn baby sleep patterns, some do in reality sleep just like infants, while some seldom sleep through the night for years. Some infants are cozy to soothe themselves till they sleeping, while others desire the lullabies of their father and mother, milk feeding or a relaxed crib so they can sleep.
Self-Soothe Sleep
Most of baby rest researches suggest that the most important help teaching baby to sleep overnight is to own him drift off on his own. Relating to research, this can be the answer to stop baby rest pattern complications.
In many instances, by the tenth to 16th week of your baby, if your baby offers eaten enough food prior to going to sleep, he can more likely to rise during the night seeking to be raised on. According to research, it is suggested to help your baby learn to sleep overnight by giving him considerable nourishing at the same time each evening, between 10 evening and midnight. In addition , feeding a baby after midnight can usually disturb his sleeping structure.
Baby's Crib
Baby cribs are created not only to match your baby nursery's decor, but to also provide a safe, cosy place for your baby to sleep into.
With so various available styles and options about baby baby cribs today, purchasing the perfect baby crib can be a demoralising task. You really sure that the infant crib looking to purchase complies with the minimum amount quality normal. babysleeptimes.com A safe baby crib must have a strong and installed mattress, no missing or perhaps broken slats, and no sharp edges in all corners. Also, it is actually advised for parents to settle pertaining to the stationery side baby cribs instead of drop-gate cribs, because the in the future could present some severe baby safety issues.


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Fri, 10 October 2014
This week, former Factor 5 president Julian Eggebrecht joins host Jose Otero and Peer Schneider on Nintendo Voice Chat. Tune in for a first-hand account focused on the early days of the studio and hear stories about their journey to make Star Wars games for LucasArts. Eggebrecht also shares stories of Factor 5 work with Nintendo on GameCube including some unreleased Star Wars games that they had to walk away from.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__Factor_5s_Odyssey_to_Make_Star_Wars_Games.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm EST
Thu, 2 October 2014
It's been 4 years, 1 month, 2 days since Metroid: Other M's release in North America, and while the galaxy may be at peace, the Nintendo Voice Chat podcast isn't done hoping for a new entry in the series. Join host Jose Otero, Brian Altano, and Peer Schneider for a special epsiode where we deep dive into the Metroid games.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__The_Metroid_Epsiode.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:07pm EST
Sat, 27 September 2014
Brian Altano re-joins the cast of NVC this week to talk about his adventures in Japan. But that's not all, listen in as he tells host Jose Otero and Peer Schneider all about his hands-on time with New Nintendo 3DS at Tokyo Game Show. There might be a story about an earthqauke too! Then, after the break, listen to some discussion of IGN's verdict on the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__New_Nintendo_3DS_Hands-On.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33am EST
Fri, 19 September 2014
Host Jose Otero is joined by Peer Schneider and Marty Sliva this week! The crew drops some impressions on Hyrule Warriors and Smash 3DS before they share some theories for the upcoming Wii U version. Later in the show, they tackle the news and some great listener queries on The Question Block.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__Our_Smash_Wii_U_Theories.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:19am EST
Fri, 12 September 2014
Respected commentator and Meleeitonme.com contributor Kris "Toph" Aldenderfer joins the cast of Nintendo Voice Chat this week! He joins host Jose Otero, Peer Schneider, and Brian Altano, as they trade impressions and opinions of the new Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. The crew takes a deep dive into the roster, some modes, the competitive scene, and a lot more.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__Our_Smash_Bros._3DS_Preview_Extravaganza.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:40pm EST
Fri, 5 September 2014
Host Jose Otero, Peer Schneider, and Marty Sliva are reunited in the podcast studio this week. While Brian Altano is away, the crew gathers to discuss Mighty No. 9, PAX Prime 2014, Bayonetta 2, and community queries on The Question Block.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__Mighty_No._9_Post_PAX_Impressions_and_More.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:42am EST
Sat, 30 August 2014
PAX is happening this weekend and we have an EXTRA SPECIAL Nintendo Voice Chat just for you! Samuel Claiborn, Peer Schneider, Brendan Graeber, Jose Otero, Brian Altano, and special guest Mark MacDonald. Tune in for impressions of Mario Kart 8 recent update, Layton Vs. Wright, figuring out Nintendo's New 3DS, and more.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__A_New_Nintendo_3DS_Emerges.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45am EST
Fri, 22 August 2014
Join host Jose Otero, Brian Altano, and guest Marty Sliva for another fun epsiode of Nintendo Voice Chat. This week, the crew discusses Azure Striker: Gunvolt, it's 8-bit cousin Mighty Gunvolt, Marty's recent Splatoon editorial, and more.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__Gunvolt_Splatoon_and_Gamescom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:39pm EST
Thu, 14 August 2014
IGN editor Mitch Dyer makes his Nintendo Voice Chat debut this week. He joins host Jose Otero and Brian Altano to particpate in the longest Question Block segment we've ever done. But that's not all you get this week! Tune in for impressions of SteamWorld Dig for Wii U, a spoiler free chat about Hyrule Warriors, and the news of the week.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__The_Question_Block_Returns.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:59pm EST
Fri, 8 August 2014
Respected video game collector Steven Lin joins host Jose Otero and Brian Altano to talk about the departure of Nintendo's Indie boss, Mario Kart 8 Update + DLC, and Bayonetta 2. After the break, the crew dives into some of the rarest Nintendo games ever made.
Direct download: Nintendo_Voice_Chat__Digging_Through_Nintendos_Artifacts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:34pm EST

subset: commoncrawl


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In under two weeks, we will be asked to make a decision as to whether Britain should remain a member of the European Union. This is probably the biggest political decision that our generation is likely to face, and many of us (myself included) feel like we are being forced to make this choice without being given adequate information. Under these conditions, many of us will go to the polling stations armed with little more than gut-feeling. In a way, this is how we always vote – choosing a political party is often an emotional decision which has more in common with choosing a football team than it does with balancing rational arguments – but this time the dividing line is less clear, with most of the media attention focused at the civil war within the Conservative Party. I believe that we should remain in the EU, but this is largely based on instinct. Over the course of this post, I intend to turn this instinct into a rational argument. This will not be a neutral post, but I will explore both sides, I am going to reference where my information has come from so that it can be verified, and I will try to avoid sensationalism.
What advantages does the EU bring?
One of the big problems of this referendum is that the British public does not really have a clear picture of what the EU is for. It is best known for allowing free movement of people within its borders, and for allegedly being very picky about the size and shape of our fruit and veg. One of the problems the remain camp seem to be facing is that many of its arguments for staying are based around abstract economic concepts, which do not engage the public as easily the leave campaign's appeals to fear and patriotism. But, dry though the details may be, the fact remains that currently we export more goods and services to EU countries than we do to anywhere else in the world (44% of our trade goes there – worth around £226 billion – with the next biggest buyer of British goods and services being the USA at 17%)(source here). While leaving the European Union would not necessarily exclude us from trading with member countries there is no way of telling how long it would take to negotiate a new trade deal, and countries which have trade deals with the EU but are not members (like Norway or Switzerland) are required to follow EU regulations in the production of these goods and services, but have no say in what those regulations are (source here).
The big economic stuff is difficult to sell though, particularly as we don't know what would happen if we were to leave. Perhaps we should look at how the EU affects our day to day lives in terms of employment law. It should be noted that, while UK legislation exceeds the minimum requirement for things like paid holiday and paid maternity leave, the European Union was instrumental in implementing these rights in the first place, and guarantees that it cannot be reduced below a certain level. It should also be noted that in some cases, while the UK currently exceed minimum expectations, British MEPs tried to block the initial inclusion of these rights into European law (a full analysis by an employment law specialist can be found here – you'll have to scroll down below the initial graphic that he is responding to). Keep in mind too that the Conservative party has a track record of trying to opt out of things like the Work Time Directive, which determines how many hours per week employers can legally make their employees work (according to this Independent article).
The European Union has also played an important role in developing and enforcing laws relating to the environment, with legislation governing things like quality of air and water, carbon emissions levels and use of pesticides. Again, these laws would not necessarily be repealed if we voted to leave the EU, but it should be remembered that the UK government has tried to block some of this environmental legislation from being passed in Europe (more detail can be found in this Friend of the Earth Report). There is more to be said for staying in the European Union, but as we are talking about maintaining the status quo, it might be best considered by comparing it with some of the key arguments of leave campaign.
Why some people want to leave, and why I think we shouldn't.
One of the most commonly cited reasons for leaving the EU is the cost of membership. It is true that the UK contributed £13 billion to the EU budget last year, once you remove the £5 billion instant rebate (actually more of a discount, as it never leaves the country), but it is also true that £4 billion of the EU budget was returned to Britain through investment in agriculture or in poorer regions of the country (see here). Yes, theoretically if we were to leave the European Union, this money could be invested directly into redeveloping poorer regions of the country, but we have to ask, do we trust the current government (or worse, Johnson and co.) to do this? Just look at what happened to Osborne's Northern Powerhouse.
There are two other factors which need to be considered when discussing the financial cost of the EU. Firstly, that £13 billion sounds like a big number, but it amounts to only 1% of total UK spending (According to this YouGov breakdown of how tax is spent). Secondly, we should consider this figure in relation to the benefits that EU membership has for the British economy as a whole. This is a difficult figure to estimate, but according to this New Statesman article, the Confederation of British Industry puts the number somewhere between £62 and £78 billion, a fair return on our investment, given that it also helps to fund the benefits already mentioned.
Perhaps more widely discussed by the Out Camp is the issue of immigration. This is an emotive issue which is hard for people to discuss rationally and, while the idea of controlled immigration is not intrinsically racist, it is an argument which attracts racists like flies to a turd. Arguments about immigration from the EU tend to centre around two contradictory strands: that migrants from within the EU are taking too many jobs which could be done by British people, and that migrants from within the EU are unfairly draining the British welfare system.
The second of these claims is easier to unpick. Research shows that people who came to Britain within the EU since 2000 have tended to contribute more in tax than they take in benefits. This picture is somewhat complicated when we consider people who arrived in the UK before the year 2000, as these migrants tend to be older and, like many older people, require additional help to come with the effects of age (source). People in this category have been in the UK for at least fifteen years – surely long enough to justify equal treatment with those who happen to have been born here.
Related to worries about the increased pressure on our benefits system is the concern that 'health tourism' is placing unfair strain on the NHS. The figures involved in this are complex, and take into account a number of different groups, including regular visitors to the UK from the EU (people who are resident here for part of the year, like students) and British citizens who live abroad. Remember too that while Britain is a member of the EU, you or I would receive free or reduced price healthcare if we were regular visitors or 'non-permanent residents' in other EU countries. If you are really interested in the figures, you can look here. All I'm going to say is that most of these numbers seem to represent visitors to the country who happen to need the hospital when they are here. For the few that do come here specifically for medical purposes, the NHS is not a charity and it should not be treated as such, but if somebodies medical problems are serious enough, and the cost of treating them is prohibitive enough that somebody thought they'd be better off travelling to an entirely different country for treatment, I'm not that interested in hounding them too much over it. In any case, most EU countries have pretty good medical care, so these people are likely to be coming from outside the EU. While Brexit might give us slightly more control over our borders, we will presumably still be open to tourists – unless we're going to give each one a medical screening, I'm not too sure how leaving the EU would prevent this from happening. And one last word on this subject – hospitals have the option to charge non UK patients for services (outside of accident and emergency) but the costs of recovering this debt is not too far off the amount itself (source).
That other aspect of the migrant debate – that EU migrants are flooding the job market – is perhaps even more emotive. Understandably, people who have been out of work for a long time are not necessarily going to want to listen when people with apparently better job prospects (journalists, politician, English teachers with blogs, for example) tell them that they are losing out on jobs because they aren't trying hard enough now (the 'they do the jobs we don't want to' argument) or they didn't work try hard enough at school (the 'they are better qualified' argument). I'm not suggesting that completely unrestricted immigration is the best of ideas, but this seems to be how most people think EU migration works. Before we can think about changing Europe, we must first decide to stay, so I'm going to start by looking at the migration situation logically, and then consider some of the facts and figures.
If unemployed British people cannot find work because there is not enough work to go around, leaving the EU may reduce some of the competition for jobs, but it could also plunge the economy into uncharted territory – evidence suggests that over 3 million jobs are linked to trade with EU countries. Jeopardising trade with Europe could put these jobs at risk, leading to an even more competitive job market. In this case staying is our best option.
If there are jobs available and they are being given to people who were raised and educated in the rest of the EU in preference to people who were raised and educated in the UK, we must ask ourselves why. If the answer to that question is that the people from outside of the UK are better qualified, this highlights a problem within our own institutions, and leaving the EU will not change this. Depending on how we leave, we may be able to reduce access to the UK and therefore limit competition but if we do, we may find ourselves with a shortage of skilled workers. In this scenario, our best option would not be to leave the EU, but to better prepare our workforce for the 21st Century economy. If, on the other hand, the reason is that immigrants are taking jobs that British workers are unwilling to do, I suspect the reason lies not in laziness, but in a benefits system which does not make it easy for people to take part time, low paid or precarious jobs, as they may end up worse off than before. Reforming benefits is important, but discussion of it is beyond the scope of this post, and I will not attempt to do it here. I will say that leaving the EU would not make these jobs more attractive, or solve the problems which make British workers reluctant to take them in the first place.
If neither of the above scenarios are true – if there are jobs available, and employers are not choosing people from outside of the UK in preference to people from inside the UK – then we are left with a simpler picture. Finding work is difficult, and has been since the economic crash. Having a larger potential workforce (anyone in the EU who wants to work in Britain, for example) does make this more difficult, but when the economic benefits of being a member of the European Union help to create jobs, and when the European union helps to fund development of poorer areas, leaving is not the best solution. The best solution is to find ways to create more jobs, and to acknowledge that, as finding work in the current economic climate is difficult, we should find ways to better support those who are looking for work, both financially and practically, rather than vilifying them in the tabloid press and creating an increasingly punitive culture within the welfare state.
I suspect that there may be some element of truth in all of the scenarios described above, and again, while I broadly agree with the principle of free movement, I am not saying that we should not perhaps revisit some of the conditions of this principle. Staying in the EU gives us the best position to negotiate this, particularly when we consider the fact that, if we were to leave, but wanted to remain part of the European Free Trade Agreement (the least risky option, economically), then we would likely have to accept the free movement of people between the UK and the rest of Europe as part of the deal, as it is in Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. A fairly detailed account of the issues which would face Britain if it wanted to leave the EU and become part of the EFTA can be found here. So far, I have simplified the situation around immigration in the same way that many in the leave campaign do – by conflating all immigration into the UK. In fact, immigration from outside of the EU has traditionally been significantly higher, and is currently about equal. Even if we were to leave the EU, we would still potentially have large numbers of people coming to live and work in the UK (source).
Then there are the benefits of migration. Apart from the previously mentioned fact that migrants have made a net contribution to the UK, the immigration of young, working-age people is a way of spreading the tax burden created by an aging population (as shown in this 2013 study). It also helps us to cope with shortages of suitable workers in specific sectors, for example, recent research suggests that 26% of NHS doctors were trained outside of the UK (source), and 10% were from other places in the EU (source). I haven't been able to find any statistics, but I very much doubt that there are large numbers of British-born doctors waiting in dole queues because of this. Sticking with the NHS, recent cuts in the number of training places available for nurses (source) mean that we are likely to become even more reliant on migrants to fill these vital roles in our communities.
And migrants don't just work and pay taxes. They buy things in our shops, they start business, and have families. The ratio might not be a simple one to one, but larger populations also create jobs, as there is greater demand for goods and services. Public institutions like schools and hospitals might be put under increased pressure in the short term, but over time, the increased tax revenue will allow for more investment in these services, balancing out and creating more jobs in the process. Perhaps more important is the cultural impact. Since at least the end of World War Two[1], British culture has been enhanced and expanded through interaction with other cultures. We are lucky to have access to such a wide range of cultural experiences. Some people worry that this is undermining traditional British culture, but I can still get cream tea, watch a football match, drink a pint of Banks' Mild brewed just over ten miles away from my house, or go watch a Shakespeare play. I can even, if I am so inclined, go Morris dancing. But thanks to sixty odd years of multi-cultural Britain, I can get jerk chicken, rice and peas delivered to my house, watch a Bollywood film at Star City or go to a pub where the Polish chefs serve szwajacar and suflak alongside British pub classics[2]. Again, I know that two out of three of these examples have nothing to do with the EU, but the principle that the mixing of cultures can enrich our experience remains.
Vote Leave campaigners also love to talk about sovereignty, the power the country has to make its own laws. It is true that as part of the EU, we allow some decisions about the laws affecting us to be made elsewhere, but this is also true of other international institutions, like NATO. If we are concerned about our ability to make the decisions which are best for the country, then we should consider that, if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, it may be best to transfer some of our sovereignty elsewhere (source). Even with this transfer of sovereignty, Britain maintains some element of control through the European Parliament (where we can send MEPs elected within by our European constituencies) and through the Council of the European Union (where ministers from national governments meet to discuss specific policy areas). As a nation, we abdicate some of our sovereignty to the European Union in the same way that as individuals, we agree to live by certain laws in exchange for the protection that the law offers. Ultimately, while we have allowed the European Union to make some decisions for us, the very fact that we are able to hold a referendum shows that we still retain the option to take this transferred sovereignty back – the question is whether it would be advantageous to do so. I believe that the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that we are better off staying in the EU, and that the leave camp's arguments about sovereignty have more to do with populist notions of national prestige than they do with any real world benefits.
Human Rights
Related to issues of sovereignty is the issue of the European Convention on Human Rights, which the Human Rights Act enshrined in British law in 1998. The current government has said that it wants to replace this with a British Bill of Rights, and some people who want to leave the EU use the Human Rights Act as another example of the loss of British Sovereignty. If this is something which concerns you, I suggest that you look at the list of rights protected by this act, here, and then ask yourself 'are there any rights here which I do not want?' Part of the problem here is that some elements of the media have caused us to erroneously think of human rights as something which prevents us from punishing criminals, or requires us to give porn to murderers or KFC to thieves, rather than as a universal standard for how all human beings should be treated. For more information, including a debunking of the ridiculous cases above, look here. If the British public were to leave the European Union because they no longer wished to be bound by the ECHR, it might be the first time in history that people have chosen to be given less legal rights. It would also be futile, as the ECHR is a treaty which is separate from our membership of the European Union, and is instead related to our membership of the Council of Europe – an international body which contains several non-EU states, and which the British government has no plans to pull out of (source).
Some people worry that overly lenient application of human right's law, combined with the European Union's open borders policy, has created a threat to British security, particularly in our current age of international terrorism. There are several things to consider here. Firstly, we are not part of the Schengen Area, meaning that we retain the right to carry out passport checks at our borders, so we could still prevent known security threats from entering Britain. Secondly, the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in France and Belgium last year were French and Belgian citizens, so even if we were to close our borders completely (which not even the most extreme in the Vote Leave camp are planning on doing) we would still have some risk of home grown terrorism, while our current status allows us to make use of various resources, such as the European Criminal Records System. Leaving would not automatically deny us access to these things, but neither would it guarantee that we can continue to use them (source).
The European Union is not perfect. No large organisation is, but I believe that the benefits of membership far outweigh the risks of leaving. In this post, I have given a large number of reasons, often centred around complicated issues, but in the end, the main issue is whether you believe that our best option in a changing world is to co-operate with our neighbours or to go it alone. From our position in the EU, we can help shape a better future, both for the UK and for people across the continent.
- I believe that Britain should remain part of the European Union.
- Membership of the EU comes with a number of economic advantages which we may lose if we leave.
- The EU has helped to protect the environment, and workers rights.
- We are required to contribute towards the EU budget, but this allows us access to numerous benefits, and costs only a small part of our national budget.
- Immigration has brought benefits to our economy, society and culture.
- We have given the EU some control over our legislation, but this is a normal part of international co-operation.
- The Human Right Act is not directly tied to the EU, and why would we want to give it up?
- Being part of the EU allows for easy co-operation between different countries' security forces.
Further Reading
While writing this post, I have found the following websites to be balanced and informative:
[1] Yes, I know I'm talking about non-EU migration here, but the principle still applies, so bear with me.
[2] The Stile in Wolverhampton, just round the corner from where I used to live.


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This term our Inquiry topic focuses on sustainability. The title of the unit is "Eco Warriors – Every individual matters, every action counts". We have been researching a variety of environmental issues and will select one that interests us to become 'experts' about. Our unit of work on sustainability will conclude with an Eco-Exhibition at the end of term where we will showcase what we have learnt.
What does 'sustainability' mean?
Why is this an important topic to learn about?
What interesting discoveries have you made during your research?
Below are some of the many texts that we have examined during the research stage of our Inquiry topic.


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Photo Gallery Photo
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Dog(s) in Photo
Leo(kerry)and Lulu(rat terrier)
Photo Description
Leo is my Kerry male he is 8 Leo is my little boy; his registered name is Ch. Ardara�s Midnight Cowboy. Lulu is the Very large Rat Terrier that we adopted from a shelter in 2007 they guessed she was three at that time she had been transferred to our local shelter from another very overcrowded one in the area and she had Kennel Cough. Owned by Sunny Elston
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Question of the Week
Today is January 23, 2019
In this month in 1922:
The first meeting of the Irish kennel club was held.


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Beautiful handmade by Buford 1525 Western Show Saddle. Very well made saddle hardly used in great shape. Lots of silver and tooling, even has a silver engraveable name plate that is waiting for your name. 15" seat.
$395 or will possibly trade for roping or barrel saddle of same quality.


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Staff Writer
BRISTOL - Ringing in the New Year at the crack of noon Sunday inside Imagine Nation, An Early Learning Center, were families from across Connecticut.
Confetti cascaded down from the top floor as the clock struck twelve, showering a crowd of cheering kids and their parents. Visitors gazed up as the "ball" fell from the ceiling, lingering in the enchantment of it all.
Siblings Mia, Lorraine and Andrew Rengifo filled plastic buckets with the glittering paper shreds and chased each other around. Soon all three were coated in confetti from head to toe.
"This is amazing," their father, Walter Rengifo, said, watching the hijinks. "It's at the perfect time for kids because they can't stay up as late to party like the adults."
Upstairs in the art studio that morning, kids designed their own noisemakers and party hats. Miss Bristol led the crowd in bidding 2017 farewell by singing "Auld Lang Syne." The bittersweet lyrics could be found on the back of activity pamphlets handed out at the door.
People came from near and far for the museum's New Year celebration, featuring traditions from all over the globe.
In Denmark, as visitors discovered, front doors are swung open on the first of January to reveal a heap of shattered plates. Only on the doorsteps of the most well-liked people, that is.
"It means you have a lot of friends," museum development director Doreen Stickney explained.
She and fellow staff members demonstrated this and other practices taking place on the last day of the year and first day of the subsequent year.
Visitors learned about a Japanese ritual of ringing a bell 108 times, thought to bring good luck to all who take part.
In Mexico there is outdoor frolicking with suitcases, signifying the following year's traveling adventures.
This marked the museum's 12th New Year celebration.
"It's important for kids to see how children across the world celebrate," Stickney said. "It's a wonderful family event we look forward to every year."
Manchester resident Carolyn Mello brought along her 3-year-old son and 2-week-old daughter.
"We've never been here before," she pointed out. "It's nice."
A disc jockey cranked out popular hits at the back of the center. Parents with babies bounced them in their arms, chanting the words. Saviah Kudsen, 11, and her sister Liviana, 8, swung each other around the dance floor.
"We're having a lot of fun," Saviah shouted over the loud music.
Traversing the party wearing red polo shirts and big smiles were young volunteers, ensuring fun was being had by all.
"We got to throw the confetti," said Noah Gilbert, 12. "We have the satisfaction of helping everyone here out."
As the day's activities wound down the youth helpers discussed their plans for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, since today is a holiday from school.
"I'm going to stay up until the ball drops and then probably fall asleep," said Savannah Jones, 12, of Terryville.
Imagine Nation has a full slate of family events planned through the winter. Highlights include a Storybook Adventure Jan. 13, Happy Hearts Scavenger Hunt Feb. 10 and Teddy Bear Health Clinic March 10.
Erica Schmitt can be reached at 860-801-5097, or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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... can partially be discussed, despite a sign at the airport warning us not to!
Having visited 8 pubs during previous trips, and with the usual churn of brewpubs in any state, we contemplated what it would take to finish off the state, when we went back to Vegas for Laurie's son's wedding. (More on that from Laurie). There are various lists for brewpubs around the web, but some research and phone calls, etc. lead us to believe that the current total was 16, so we needed 4 more pubs to finish another state.
(Big Dog has a few places that sell their beer and Gordon Biersch has 1 as well, so if you go, make sure you go the the right locations)
We looked at what we had already visited in Las Vegas and saw that, bingo! 4 pubs had yet to be visited. So, even though this was a family outing, we discussed our plans with the family members, and they essentially said "Go for it!" We therefore left the airport Thursday, and since it was raining, we took a taxi ($25.00 for 5 miles! ) to Barley's on the SE side of town. This was a decent place, right inside a full-fledged casino. We had some good food and beers and then decided on a 'quick' ride on a bus back to the Stratosphere, our base of operations for the weekend. 2 hours later, the 3rd bus dropped us off, after a tortured, twisting series of rides through a good bit on the underside of the city!
We then decided to hit two pubs that were close by the hotel. Not being thrilled with the buses, we again opted for quick but expensive taxi rides to Gordon Biersch and Ellis Island. G.B. has a large variety of mostly German style beers. I did find the Heff to be very tasty, along with a decent dark beer. The food was also very good. Ellis Island is one of those places in Las Vegas that just amazes you! It is in a slightly seedy section of town, (the cabbie warned us not to walk around), and the place looks like a typical off-strip small-time casino and bar. But the beer was brewed right there, and during NFL games, was $1.00 for a 20 oz. mug!!! And it was good beer! We had an IPA and a Stout. I then sat down and played Blackjack and won more than enough to pay for the exorbitant taxi rides! The food prices in this place are also insanely cheap. Laurie's son knew someone who used to work here,and they said you could get a beer, and a great steak for $8.00!
The next morning we set off for Big Dog, to finish the quest. It's on the far NW side of town, but since the bus went right to the place, we decided to give mass transportation another try. The bus system worked perfectly this time, albeit a tad slow. But you can't complain about the price, which was now free, after we had purchased 24-hour passes the day before. We arrived just about Noon, and immediately we could tell they had a great sense of humor. There is a huge statue of a dog outside the building, along with twin outhouses, labeled "Pointers" and "Setters". Inside, there are numerous slogans and visual puns, (0 to horny in 2.5 beers, if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes ) along with beer names such as "Leg Lifter Lager", "Fire Hydrant Red", "War Dog IPA", etc. They actually had 2 different IPAs, very West-coast, and a "Chocolate Lab Porter", all of which were very good. This place (and Barley's) 'comped' us for gambling, so we ended up with 6 free beers during our travels!
Overall, Nevada has a lot of great brewpubs, and if you like hiking and gambling, this is a great place to visit.
In case anyone is counting, this makes - NY / NJ / CT / DE / WV / RI / VT / NH / MA / NV - 10 states we have finished! Woohoo!


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The White County Intermediate Chorus took a trip to Disney, May 3-6, 2012. Their teacher, Mr. Rogers, arranged for the kids to sing at Downtown Disney on their Performing Arts stage. It's a special privilege to get to sing at Disney at such a young age. The group of kids ranged from 4th to 6th grades. They got a special Ears for the Arts pin as a reward from Mickey. And a bag too.
We started off the trip very early Thursday morning... intending to leave at 5am. With all the stuff that needed to be accomplished prior to taking 60+ kids we ended up leaving closer to 5:30. Not too bad!
|Here are Curtis and Maggie after the sun came up.
|Bennett and Tianna shared drawing supplies to pass an hour or so.
Bennett and Maggie have never been to Florida before. Maggie made sure I knew this and we took a picture of their first footsteps in the state.
|Welcome to Florida!
|Our 2 charter buses. We had bus #2.
Friday morning the kids gathered outside the hotel to run through their songs one last time. In this picture Haley, Bentley, Sammi, Gracie, Maggie, Luke and Tianna sing their parts. Bennett is hiding behind Luke, in the GT hat!
|Now you can see Bennett!
|Our tickets!! Total excitement for all of us.
|We arrived at 9:07am Friday morning!
|Waiting for the Monorail, our group for the day. Bentley, Bennett, Maggie, Maria
|The ID photo... just in case. :)
|Bentley, Maria and Maggie in front of Mickey and Minnie
Mr. Rogers was just as excited as the kids. This was Space Mountain. Who knows how many times he has ridden this, but he explained it to the kids to get them all excited. He insisted HE got the front seat as Bentley and Maggie filed in behind him. Mr. Rogers has a annual membership/pass to Disney, so he has lots of experience in all good things! :) He advised us on lots of things.
Maggie got to drive Mr. Rogers in the Tomorrowland Speedway race car while Maria drove me and Bentley drove her Mom. All the girls got tired of trying to reach the gas pedal and were assisted by their taller, longer legged co-pilots.
Waiting in line - Maria, Maggie, Gracie and Bentley. This was a second trip through Space Mountain and it "broke down" briefly while we were in line. We enjoyed it each time... but I can say the front seat is by far the best ride! :)
We (Curtis) got a Fast Pass for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin while the girls were riding the Teacups... and it ended up being a pretty entertaining little ride.
We got to spin around in little cars and shoot lasers at all the aliens. I have no idea how, but Curtis maxed out his score at 99,999 pretty quickly into the ride. I kept shooting but I think I only managed 12,000 or so good shots. The kids loved it. Too.
Running from ride to ride we passed through a bit party with the characters. There was singing and dancing and general good times. Bennett stopped long enough to pose with Goofy and Woody - and the castle!
We explored the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse and then decided we really need to watch the movie and/or read the book.
After the Treehouse we moved over to experience a Jungle Cruise.. lots of animals along the river, cannibals, and bad jokes from our driver Ben. The adults laughed more than the kids.
The women folk headed back to the bus for the kids to go sing, while Bennett and Curtis went past the castle and more singing and dancing.
|Here the main characters dance - Goofy, Minnie, Mickey and Donald
|And all the girls' favorite Princesses - Snow White, Cinderella and Rapunzel.
The chorus kids and adults headed over to Downtown Disney for their singing performance. We had to stop by the changing area, meet our host, and wait until it was the right time. We had plenty of cushion built in... so we waited on some very hot buses. The kids ran through a quick practice with Mr. Rogers - and a pep talk. What a cool experience to get to perform at Disney!
|Here's proof! The only elementary school.
|WCIS chorus - Maggie's front and center, Bennett's 2nd row right side.
|More Lego art
Our one big meal for the trip... we ate dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. Lots of animals and fun sights during dinner. It even has thunder and lightning and the sound of rain.
|Bennett and his pal Woody!
After dinner at Downtown Disney, we hurried on a shuttle or two over to Epcot for the nighttime fireworks show. The gates close at 9 as the lights start up. We slid through just before 9, but Curtis and Bennett were too late since they went back to the Lego store and in search of a coffee mug souvenir. The fireworks were impressive, as was the rest of the light show on the water.
After our Epcot fireworks we went back to the Magic Kingdom for those fireworks. We scooted to the other side of the park to ride a couple less traveled rides... Peter Pan and It's a Small World. NO line for a reason! :) But it was still fun, and air conditioned!
Day Two - Saturday, started at Animal Kingdom. We wanted to make sure we rode Expedition Everest first thing. Here we stop for a quick picture in front of the Tree of Life. You can't see it here - but there are animals carved into that big tree. We hurried through the Asian and African lands to get to the ride - Fast Pass! While we did that, Curtis and Bennett got to experience life as a bug. Ick! Good thing the women skipped that one. Creepy and crawly.
Here's Bennett before, or after the bug experience... that's Mt. Everest behind him. We would have liked to spend more time at Animal Kingdom... but we were short on time. This Everest roller coaster was the best ride for several of us. I loved it most and we ended up riding it 3 times. The kids also rode a river ride with Curtis and got a little wet. It was a hot day, so they dried very quickly.
|Here's the kids' token ID photo for the day... just in case.
|My favorite son!
|Bennett and the tree... and random strangers.
|Maggie and Bennett stop for another Tree of Life photo.
We found some African drums and the kids all needed to try them out. One of their songs (my favorite) had drum parts, so they were "practicing"!
|Our group and some funny boys behind us.
While we were running to catch the shuttle, Curtis and Maggie stopped for a quick photo op. Then they ran super fast to catch the shuttle too. We headed over to Hollywood Studios for our afternoon of fun. Here is where the Rock n Roller Coaster is found. Super fast, big turns, bright lights and loud music. Really cool!
|The best kids ever!
|The group... Sunset Blvd, I think. In front of the Tower of Terror, which we did NOT ride!
|Bennett was helping support the upside down car. Yes, I think we made this move.
|Picture spot... Aerosmith guitar for the ride, of course.
The ride takes a bunch of Aerosmith groupies from the recording studio through downtown traffic to the concert... all while listening to some good music, LOUDLY. Fast, dark, lights, loops, turns, music. Yes, it was a good ride.
|Maria and Bentley waiting for their 2nd trip on the Rock N Roller Coaster
|Anticipating the thrills to come
|Our Mid-ride photo - Bennett and I intentionally made faces
|Amanda, Bentley and Curtis in their mid-ride photo
We also managed to get the Star Tours - a simulated ride to Star Wars places. I know some characters and story lines... C3PO was our pilot, unintentionally. We even had to fight Darth Vader. There were 11 different situations we could have simulated. I wanted to go again to see what we could do. The line was long. The kids wanted to go to the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area. It was intended for the younger kids, but all ours enjoyed running through the huge blades of grass and yard items.
Nope, it's not real... well, Bennett is -but the street behind the shadows is just a screen. The magic of Hollywood!
See the huge blades of grass? That's part of the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. What? You were distracted by the strange duck? Ok.
Another duck! Relatives of Donald, I'm sure. We stopped in this dining area for a refuel moment - and some laughs.
Bentley wanted to do the duck chips too... but didn't want anyone to know she wanted to have fun. Curtis sneaked this picture while I was telling her a story about eating chips neatly. I think I made a mess, but the birds didn't mind cleaning it up for me. Bentley had a chip on her shoulder for a while - literally. We made it a learning moment. :)
Curtis found a "secret" area around back where we could meet some characters. The girls were watching a Little Mermaid show. Bennett wanted to watch a Stunt show instead, but it was already closed for the day. Instead, he tried to talk to Mike and Sully.
But, Sully was taking a break. Those guys don't do anything while they're on break. Must be union workers. Here are more pictures of the kids and random characters we found.
|Bennett and one of those Toy Story Army Men
|Never too old for Pooh, right?!
|This is Handy Manny
|Pluto, Bentley, Maggie, Maria, Goofy
|Pooh! Never too old for Pooh
|Mickey took Maggie's bracelet.
|Maggie thought it was funny, he tried to put it under his hat, on his ankle, wrist, then back to hers.
|Maggie and Belle
|Maria and Maggie with Belle
|Mr. Incredible and Frozone
We found the room of characters at Epcot too... the classics, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.
|Bennett wanted Pluto to get down, like a dog. He obliged.
|True laughter... having a great time.
|Magic Kingdom fireworks
|The dancing fountain - the kids were enthralled, for a moment.
|Back at Hollywood
|Jumping at Epcot
|Pre flight instructions
|Our flight instructor - Gary Sinise
|More instructions - minus our Navigator
|Maggie and Bentley strapped in awaiting lift off.
|Doors closed, flight controls at hand. Ready to go!
We heard the Nemo show was worth seeing so we stopped here to see what it was all about. Those birds behind the kids were saying "mine, mine, mine" just like the movie.
We rode in clam shells through animated scenes from the movie. Not exactly what we were expecting, and it turns out the Nemo show we were supposed to see was at a different park.
|At Epcot
|Epcot flowers
|Coke tasting area... refreshment!
|Leaving Epcot - which means, leaving Disney
|Last stop at the bus yard before loading up for a long ride home.
|The Mouse we found... finally got some souvenirs.
|Breakfast Monday morning with Grandma... telling stories.


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It never hurts this series to embrace its science fiction aspects more. For issue #4, Mister Terrific leaves Earth entirely and finds himself thrown in the intergalactic slammer. The resulting conflict is somewhat sillier than it needs to be, but still entertaining.
Michael's attempts to aid a group of alien refugees quickly land him in prison, and the bulk of the issue focuses on his attempts to navigate prison life and orchestrate a breakout. Eric Wallace successfully highlights the character's many talents in this story, whether it involves brawling with inmates or jury-rigging an escape method through the magic of super-science. Slowly but surely, this series is managing to encapsulate the qualities that make Mister Terrific unique. The plot is nothing special, as it plays out like any prison escape movie aside from the fact that the inmates have tentacles. Giancluca Gugliotta handles the action and unusual setting well, in what is easily his strongest issue of the series so far.
Wallace's writing falls a little flat with the narration, though. As with a lot of New 52 books, the narration is over-used and excessive. It also grows schizophrenic in how it portrays Michael. The character veers from making jokes about becoming "a space bitch" to wallowing in self-pity to making a hackneyed commentary on slavery and, finally, to tediously explaining his complicated escape plan with enough pseudo-scientific techno jargon to make Geordi LaForge do a double take.
I hope one of the main lessons writers take away from these early New 52 issues is that narration and exposition need to be used sparingly.


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|That light you see at the end of the tunnel...
Space/Time/Money are finite as is the amount of energy I can generate.
I started with an HO trainset and then dabbled in On30 and fell in love with Narrow Gauge. However, On30 doesn't fit.
I really got my heart set on HOn42 but that only lead to agony and grief.
I'm stuck in a very deep rut.
If you observe the publication dates on the blog you can see it's been a while.
I've been stuck in neutral, going nowhere fast. If only I could finish one little project it would be a real breakthrough.
I've recently come to a realization that I've got too much junk and it is like carrying around some sort of anchor holding me in the past.
I've accumulated a bunch of HO stuff over the years and almost none of it fits the era/theme/gestalt of what I want to do in model railroading and the effort and expense of bashing and converting everything is overwhelming.
I need to purge as much stuff as possible so that I don't feel so beholden to it and maybe restart with a clean slate.
I started going through my Model Railway stuff and a lot of it I haven't touched in nearly a decade. A lot of it is cast offs from other people from when they decluttered.
There's some stuff that I want to keep for sentimental reasons.
There's some stuff that will hopefully be useful in the future.
However, there's a bunch of stuff that I just need to get rid of.
Some of it I want to give back, other things that I can pay forward and maybe a little that will pay off.
Hopefully, not too much will go to landfill.
May the gods of evilbay smile upon me.


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Rochester in Beaver County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Spanning the Waters
—Stories of Beaver County & its Rivers —
It was in 1815 that the first bridge spanned the Beaver River to connect Rochester to Bridgewater. However, this covered wooden bridge was blown down six years later. Its replacement lasted lasted only 50 years before it was lost in a flood. In 1885, a toll bridge was constructed that was destroyed by fire in 1931. Today, you can see the fourth version of the Rochester-Bridgewater Bridge. Built in 1933 and repaired in 1977, it is still in use today. Some say the structure resembles the head, back and tail of a beaver.
Crossing the wide Ohio River with a bridge was a more challenging matter. The first bridge connecting Rochester to Monaca over the Ohio was a lengthy suspension bridge known as the Ohio River Bridge that served the area from 1895 to 1930. A second bridge was built in 1932 and closed in 1983. Now crossing the Ohio in nearly the same spot is the Rochester-Monaca Bridge - a highway bridge that was completed in 1986 and is the third bridge built on the site. Sometimes known as the Monaca-Rochester Bridge, the bridge's current name depends on the outcome of the annual football game
Up river from Rochester is another highway bridge that also crosses the Ohio River - the East Rochester-Monaca Bridge which was completed in 1959. Once a toll bridge, it is now a free bridge that is still in use.
The railroad also needed to cross the rivers and from here you can see two railroad bridges: the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad Bridge which crosses the Beaver River and the P&LE Bridge which spans the Ohio. Rochester's bridges, railroads, river routes, former canals, and current highways make an important intermodal hub for Beaver County and the nation - both yesterday and today.
The Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (P&LE) Railroad Bridge that spans the Ohio River between Monaca and Bridgeport was completed in 1910 and was considered an engineering marvel. Built by the McClintic-Marshall Construction Co. of Pittsburgh, the bridge sections were built from both sides of the river. This was a complex project requiring much manpower and engineering expertise. When the two sides met up to be joined in the middle, the sections were only off by one-eighth of an inch! Built to withstand heavy loads, it is said that 50 freight engines were parked on the bridge to prove its strength to the public before it was opened for use.
Location. 40° 41.866′ N, 80° 17.236′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Pennsylvania, in Beaver County. Marker is on Water Street west of Harrison Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. This historic marker is located along the river front, very near the east side of the mouth of the Beaver River. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester PA 15074, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewis and Clark (within shouting distance of this marker); Logans Town (within shouting distance of this marker); About River Transit ... (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Industry Along the Banks (about 700 feet away); Always A River 1991 (about 800 feet away); Make Way for the Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rochester Lodge Number 229 (approx. ¼ mile away); H.C. Fry Glass Company (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.
Categories. • Bridges & Viaducts • Man-Made Features •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on May 7, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 455 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 8, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.


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|John Galeotti
galeotti+miia ATcs.cmu.edu
Teaching Assistants
Vikas R.S.
vir16+miia ATpitt.edu
"Jackie" Chen
kuanchic+miia ATandrew.cmu.edu
To gain theoretical and practical skills in medical image analysis, including skills relevant to general image analysis. The fundamentals of computational medical image analysis will be explored, leading to current research in applying geometry and statistics to segmentation, registration, visualization, and image understanding. Student will develop practical experience through projects using the new v4 of the National Library of Medicine Insight Toolkit ( ITK ), a popular open-source software library developed by a consortium of institutions including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to image analysis, the course will include interaction with clinicians at UPMC via the Shadow Program.
Some or all of the class lectures will be videoed for public distribution. The camera will be in the back of the room, and we will attempt to point it over your heads. However, some students may at times be seen (usually only partially) by the camera. If you object to this, please see the instructor to discuss seating options to avoid ever being seen by the camera. Also, any audio in the classroom may be picked up and recorded by either the camera or the instructor's microphone. If on a particular occasion you want your voice removed from some part of the recording, then please inform the instructor after class that day.
Knowledge of vector calculus, basic probability, and C++ or python (most lectures will use C++).
NEW THIS YEAR: ITKv4 includes a new simplified interface and many new features, several of which will be explored in the class. Extensive expertise with C++ and templates is no longer necessary (but still helpful).
Posted online at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~galeotti/methods_course/
The lecture schedule (and some topics) are subject to change, depending in part on class interest and involvement.


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Shock NRL retirement for Titans big man
Admits body can't handle another season
The Gold Coast Titans have announced the shock retirement of Brenton Lawrence from rugby league today.
The former Manly front-rower confirmed on Wednesday he'll be hanging up the boots effective immediately, after making his debut with the Titans in 2011.
The 32-year-old had only joined the club's pre-season training a few weeks ago after signing a two-year contract.
But Lawrence admitted his mind and body can no longer take on the rigours of an NRL season, and believed retiring was the best decision for himself and the club.
He's been applauded by new head coach Garth Brennan for his 'club first' attitude.


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Running a business is no easy feat. There are many moving parts to consider when starting your own company, from navigating how to hire new employees to learning how to build relationships between your brand and a loyal consumer base.
Sometimes, the best place to seek inspiration is from your favorite fictional characters. From well-established businessmen to new entrepreneurs, some of television's most memorable characters have pretty valuable advice to offer small business owners who are getting their companies off the ground.
1. '"You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take," Wayne Gretzky' - Michael Scott
Perhaps one of the most famous quotes from funnyman Michael Scott of "The Office," this sentiment - originally stated by former professional hockey player Wayne Gretzky - holds significant weight in the business world. Opening your own company is a risk, and while it yields a substantial reward at the end, many potential business owners refrain from making the risk for fear of failure.
Scott is right to highlight this thought. If you accept defeat before even attempting a challenge, then your end results are set in stone. Whether you're testing a new marketing strategy or you're going out on a limb with a new product, you'll never know if the venture would be successful until you've tried.
2. 'Why should everybody else do what they like, except for me?' - Chandler Bing
For the majority of the television series "Friends," Chandler Bing works as a data processor. He expresses his dissatisfaction with his profession throughout the seasons, recognizing that his job is both unfulfilling and monotonous. In season nine, Chandler quits his job to pursue a career he knows will make him happy. Many small business owners take similar leaps when leaving their own jobs to open a new company - but in the end, making a career choice that will make you feel both happy and useful is the best way to ensure you make the most of your professional life.
3. 'I don't get lucky. I make my own luck,' - Harvey Specter
Harvey Specter, the no-nonsense lawyer from "Suits," has built an entire career on setting goals and working hard toward achieving them. Holding out for that perfect job offer or waiting for a sign to help push forward your entrepreneurial venture should not be driving factors that influence how you move forward with your business. Instead of leaving important decisions to chance, move forward by creating effective solutions and thinking outside of the box to resolve issues.
4. 'Sometimes you gotta work a little so you can ball a lot,' - Tom Haverford
In the same vein, Pawnee's own Tom Haverford from "Parks and Recreation" knows a thing or two about working hard to achieve your dreams. Tom recognizes that you must be willing to put in a great deal of effort to earn rewards at the conclusion of your venture. Treat yourself by working on your business, and in the end, you'll see significant gains.


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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Surveying - [Archived Advertisement]
The University of Melbourne (View other jobs from this organisation)
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Surveying
School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering
Melbourne School of Engineering
Salary: $95,434 - $113,323 p.a. (Level B) OR $116,901 - $134,792 p.a. (Level C) plus 17% superannuation
Appointment based on qualifications and experience
About University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the leading universities, holding the number 1 spot in Australia and ranked among the top 40 Universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2017-2018). We are globally engaged, comprehensive, research-intensive and committed to respond to the major social, economic and environmental challenges of our time. We align our research to help improve and contribute to our society & communities to help create a better world for us all to live in.
About Melbourne School of Engineering (MSE)
To continue our success, MSE are on an upward trajectory investing approx. $1 billion in new state-of-the art campuses, our students & future leaders and we're raising the bar with every new appointment to help deliver our MSE2025 strategy. We're innovative, outward looking and we believe in talent for every possible future. We now invite you to step into our world and see how great minds collide, partner, make friendships, challenge and create incredible work together.
The Opportunity
Working in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering, this is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic teaching-and-research professional that can develop a portfolio in surveying, positioning and mapping.
The Role
With the collaborative, inter-disciplinary research environment at the University of Melbourne, you will play a significant role towards contributing to teaching and research initiatives in Geomatic Engineering and in the Melbourne School of Engineering. You will be expected to develop internationally recognised research portfolios, as well as establish funding streams to support these portfolios whilst teaching and developing high quality learning experiences to our students.
Your Profile:
- PhD in Surveying, Geomatic Engineering or a closely related discipline
- A successful record of engaging industry, government and/or the community in teaching and research
- Previous experience in independent research in surveying and mapping
- Outstanding communication to engage students and variety of industry, research and government stakeholders
How to apply
Please upload you Cover Letter and Resume.
Whilst we review your application; we encourage you to get to know us more by visiting our website www.eng.unimelb.edu.au and our social media platforms.
The University plan seeks to increase the diversity of the workforce and the representation of women in areas they have been traditionally under-represented. Consistent with this, the School is seeking to increase the representation of women in the academic workforce across engineering disciplines. Under a Special Measure, under Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) the School is seeking to lift the representation of women from 20% in 2014 to at least 25% over the next 5 years, and strongly encourages applications from suitably qualified female candidates.
The Melbourne School of Engineering is strongly committed to supporting diversity and flexibility in the workplace. Applications for part-time or other flexible working arrangements will be welcomed and will be fully considered subject to meeting the inherent requirements of the position.
Close date: 24 Jun 2018
Position Description and Selection Criteria
For information to assist you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria, please go to https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria
All applications should address selection criteria. To obtain the position description and selection criteria for this role, please click on the link above.
If you are interested in being considered for this role, please apply below.
Email: Please click the 'Apply Now' button below.
Job Summary
- Closing Date:
- 24 Jun 2018
- Location:
- VIC - Parkville
- Salary:
- $95,434 - $134,792 p.a. plus 17% superannuation
- Work Type:
- Full Time
- Category:
Engineering/Building Services
Teaching - Tertiary


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Free shipping in the USA (lower 48) when your order is over $89 (excluding gift certificates and sales tax, if applicable).
In Stock. Based on the traditional carol, "O Christmas Tree," this novel holiday arrangement is one that only style-master Mike Story is capable of. Make it a happening holiday concert with Yo Christmas Tree! Scored for your beginners and the young at heart. (1:40)
� 2019 Music44. All rights reserved.


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The election results yesterday was simply stunning by any measure. None, absolutely none, in his/her wildest dream would have thought that the Congress would be getting absolute majority (almost!) at the centre. But that happened, and in style. I, though, did not favour another term for Congress govt. at centre, however I am really happy for the way Indian voters have given so clear a mandate for politics which is not divisive, not communal, pro-people, and inclusive, at least on paper. Voters have chosen the best option available to them.
I have never felt so confident about India and it's future as I do now. I now feel confident that if there is problem and none is able to decide which party, which person or which ideology should lead India, I think we should leave that to Indian voters and they will decide it best. Today I really feel proud of Indian democracy, they way it has matured and the way it will protect my future and that of my son. We can proudly tell to the world that we can teach you a lesson or two about democracy.
Long Leave Indian democracy.


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George Meredith
George Meredith (12 February 1828 – 18 May 1909 / Portsmouth, England)
» Click to list general statistics » OR, select a date :
Youth In Age
Once I was part of the music I heard
On the boughs or sweet between earth and sky,
For joy of the beating of wings on high
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Want to buy meds online from Canada? Read here everything about the advantage and disadvantages of buying prescription drugs from Canada.
Canada is well known in the United States to offer exactly the same quality medicines and prescription drugs to its citizens, but then for a much lower price. With online pharmacy from Canada this price can be even more reduced, which leads to more SAVINGS for US customers!
So what are the advantages and disadvantages?
To be honest, the list of advantages if much bigger than the disadvantages, but we will list them all.
Advantages of buying drugs from Canada:
– cheaper prices
– same quality meds as in the US
– better service
– free shipping to the US
– you can arrange a prescription online without extra costs!
– increased privacy level for sensitive medicines like Viagra or Cialis
Disadvantages of buying drugs from Canada:
– as you order from an online drugstore / online pharmacy, you need to wait a few days for arrival of the medicines / prescription drugs
– you need to know what you want as support is of course more limited.
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1 Samuel 13 Lexham English Bible (LEB)
Saul Rules over Israel
13 Saul was thirty[a] years old[b] at the beginning of his reign, and he reigned forty-two years[c] over Israel. 2 He chose for himself three thousand from Israel. Two thousand of these were with Saul at Micmash in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. He sent away the rest of the people, each to his tent. 3 Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear!" 4 And all Israel did hear, saying, "Saul has defeated the garrison of the Philistines; and also, Israel has become a stench among the Philistines!" So the people were called out after Saul at Gilgal.
Saul's Blunder
5 And the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and an army as numerous as sand which is on the seashore. And they came up and encamped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven.
6 When the men of Israel saw that it was too difficult[d] for them, because the army was hard pressed, the people hid themselves in the caves, in the thorn bushes, in the cliffs, in the vaults[e] and in the wells. 7 Some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. But Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the army followed him trembling.[f] 8 He waited seven days according to the appointed time Samuel determined, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the army started to slip away from him.[g] 9 So Saul said, "Bring here to me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." Then he offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as[h] he finished offering the burnt sacrifice, Samuel was coming. So Saul went out to meet him and to bless him. 11 But Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul said, "Because I saw that the army was scattering[i] from me and you did not come at the appointed time[j] and that the Philistines had gathered at Micmash, 12 therefore I said, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not yet implored the face of Yahweh.' So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering."
13 Then Samuel said to Saul, "You have behaved foolishly! You have not kept the command of Yahweh your God which he commanded you. For then, Yahweh would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now, your kingdom will not endure. Yahweh has sought for himself a man according to his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him as leader over his people, because you have not kept what Yahweh commanded you."
15 Then Samuel got up and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul mustered the people who were found with him, about six hundred men. 16 Saul and Jonathan his son and the army that remained with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines encamped at Micmash. 17 The raiders[k] went out from the camp of the Philistines in three divisions. One division turned on the road[l] to Ophrah toward the land of Shual. 18 One division turned on the road[m] to Beth Horon, and one turned on the road[n] toward the border overlooking the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
19 Now no skilled craftsman could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had said, "So that the Hebrews cannot make swords or spears for themselves." 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to have his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his iron plowshare[o] sharpened. 21 The charge[p] was two-thirds of a shekel[q] for the plowshare and for the mattock, and a third of a shekel for the pick[r] and for the axe, and to set the goading sticks. 22 So[s] on the day of battle, there was not a sword or a spear found in the hands of all the army that was with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and his son Jonathan had them.[t] 23 Now the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Micmash.
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
2012 by Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software
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Enjoy the power of high resolution with this LG 65" 4K OLED HDR Smart HDTV with 4K technology that displays four times as much detail as full high definition. This LG smart tv offers Dolby Atmos® which creates state-of-the-art theater like sound straight to your living room. If you are fan of vibrant colors and a crystal clear picture then it's time to upgrade to the LG OLED65C7P. With a 10-bit panel it can display over one billion colors. The LG HDR Smart HDTV is designed so the viewer has a great view from any angle, while the blade slim design makes it easier to mount anywhere. In addition, with the WebOS 3.5 feature, you'll spend less time navigating and more time enjoying. Have fun with endless hours of entertainment while streaming through the LG smart TV apps such as Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu. Search for your favorite movies, apps, TV shows using the voice recognition feature on the LG TV remote. For even more entertainment search through the LG Content Store.
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One of the most promising alternative fuels growing on U.S. farms is already found in many agricultural and commercial fuel tanks. Biodiesel made from soybeans is easy to produce and requires no conversion of existing diesel engines.
"Many premium brand diesel fuels include biodiesel because of its superior lubrication properties," said Pat Manning, agricultural economist at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. "This will become especially important when new laws, anticipated in some states, will require reduced sulfur emissions in diesel fuels.
"Reducing sulfur in conventional diesel also reduces lubrication in the engine," he said. "Biodiesel has no sulfur, but has excellent lubrication properties, so it makes an excellent additive."
Manning and UA agricultural economist Michael Popp are studying the economic benefits of biodiesel production.
"Right now, pure biodiesel costs significantly more than conventional diesel, as much as $1.92 per gallon from one supplier," Manning said. "But blends of conventional and biodiesel run about 5 cents a gallon more than straight conventional diesel."
He said blends can be mixed in any proportion, but 5 percent to 20 percent biodiesel content are most common. Such blends are now used by many bus fleets, government agencies and private fleets.
"Because it's more expensive than conventional diesel, those most likely to use some form of biodiesel now will fall into one of three groups: those who are mandated to use it by emissions restrictions; those who have self-interest, such as soybean farmers trying to encourage new markets for their crops; or environmentally conscious persons who want to do their part to reduce polluting emissions."
Biodiesel significantly reduces nearly all regulated pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter, as well as some that are not yet regulated.
While many feedstocks can be used to produce it, the majority of biodiesel is produced from soybean oil, he said. Biodiesel also can be produced from other vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled cooking oil.
Manning said wide development of biodiesel will help raise the price of soybeans for Arkansas farmers, but the real impact on the state's economy would come from producing biodiesel in a plant in Arkansas. "For the state's economy, the real added value is in production," he said.
Producing biodiesel from soybeans is cleaner and uses less energy than conventional fuels, he said. "The energy ratio for biodiesel is 3.24 to 1," he said. "That means biodiesel provides 3.24 times more energy than it takes to produce it. That's better than ethanol, which provides only 1.24 times more energy than it requires to convert it from corn."
He added that biodiesel and ethanol are not in competition with each other, since biodiesel is a substitute or additive for diesel fuel and ethanol is a substitute or additive for gasoline.
Biodiesel won't be available at local gas stations any time soon, Manning said, but farms and other individuals or businesses can buy it in bulk through their fuel suppliers or directly from suppliers in Arkansas, Missouri or Iowa. More information is available from the National Biodiesel Board's Website: http://www.biodiesel.org.
Fred Miller is science editor for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. e-mail: email@example.com.


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(UNDATED) - The severe cold and winter weather the last few weeks is having a negative effect on the available blood supply for Central Indiana hospitals.
Lucy Wehking is a spokesperson for the Indiana Blood Center, and she says when the Polar Vortex and other cold weather hits the state, it has a significant impact on agencies such as hers, because people stay inside and don't want to take a chance of driving to a location just to give blood.
"After that first week, those first three days were tough," Wehking said. "We had to close some of our operations but thankfully by that Sunday we had restored our supply."
Wehking says they were able to get that supply back because of their loyal donor base.
"Letting everyone know about the current situation so if people could safely travel to one of our donor centers or one of our mobile blood drives that we were hosting to really come and its only an hour of someone's time."
The Indiana Blood Center makes 550 units of blood available to 60 area hospitals on a daily basis.
You can find donation locations and make an appointment with Indiana Blood Center at www.donorpoint.org.
All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate blood supply. Eligible donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative blood are especially encouraged to give.
The Red Cross thanks all those who roll up a sleeve each year to help save lives because the stability of the nation's blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. It is important for eligible donors to make and keep appointments to help patients in need.
Make an appointment to donate blood you can make a donation with the Red Cross at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Monroe County:
- Bloomington - 1/30/2014 - Indiana University, Ballantine Hall (Red Cross Bus) at 500 University Road from Noon to 5 p.m.
- Bloomington - 2/3/2014 - Indiana University, Wells Library 1320 E. 10th St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Bloomington - 2/5/2013 - Indiana University, School of Residence Hall (Red Cross Bus) 201 N. Rose Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Orange County:
- Paoli - 2/1/2014 - Orange County Community Health Fair (Red Cross Bus) 1075 N. Sandy Hook Rd. from 9 a.m. 2 p.m.
- Orleans - 2/3/2014 - Orleans Christian Fellowship Hall, Corner of Ind. 37 and Jackson Street from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in Indiana and Kentucky ), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Have a question or comment about a news story? Send it to email@example.com
1340 AM WBIW, Bedford's Place To Talk. Serving Lawrence and surrounding counties since 1948!
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To view skies or to participate...just click on the Logo above.
I am going to again try to post on Sky Watch as I did last week..but alas I could not post there as the page just came up blank when trying several times, and I see only one person came and looked at my post on my blog..thank you Sylvia.
Here we go again..trying again this week...as usual just click on any photo to get a life sized view.
Sky Watch is all about sky and clouds..so this week I am concentrating on clouds mostly...there is always an awesome array of clouds here in Western NC.
Sunrise in the North
Sunrise in the SW
Now I want to take you along on a journey that I recently took down East of here and on the way back approaching the mountains again saw some awesome cloud formations that I would like to share with you as seem from my truck window.
I took all the following photo's with a point and shoot camera through the windshield of my truck.


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Much of the increase is among older Japanese, who were presumably infected as children and are now starting to show symptoms. Increases are also being seen in younger people with karaoke boxes and internet cafes are being considered likely incubators.
Karaoke boxes are very small, relatively airless rooms where people go to sing karaoke with their friends. Internet cafes also tend to be very small individual rooms. Both are cheap places to stay over night - less than $10 - and are popular with homeless and other malnourished people. The tight spaces, crowded conditions and also the disinclination of people to take time off work when they are run down are all considered to be factors contributing to the spread. The increase in antibiotic resistant strains hasn't helped.
There is historically a big stigma on TB; Hiro only learned relatively recently that the reason his maternal grandfather was not sent to war was because he had been infected with TB and was considered a liability.
Update from 2012
An acquaintance in Tokyo has recently had a lung removed due to antibiotic resistant TB. The doctors have no idea if she picked it up in Japan or elsewhere.... apparently there have been no advances in TB treatment for 40 years or so.... maybe if it becomes more of a rich world problem it might be prioritised for funding...


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MedicationsFood Poisoning | Carbon Monoxide | Household Poisons | Lead | Medications | Poisonous Plants
Tobacco Products/E-Cigarettes
Medication Safety Tips
Only take prescription medications that are prescribed to you by a healthcare professional. Misusing or abusing prescription or over-the-counter medications is not a "safe" alternative to illicit substance abuse.
Never take larger or more frequent doses of your medications, particularly prescription pain medications, to try to get faster or more powerful effects.
Never share or sell your prescription drugs. Keep all prescription medicines (especially prescription painkillers, such as those containing methadone, hydrocodone, or oxycodone), over-the-counter medicines (including pain or fever relievers and cough and cold medicines), vitamins and herbals in a safe place that can only be reached by people who take or give them.
Follow directions on the label when you give or take medicines. Read all warning labels. Some medicines cannot be taken safely when you take other medicines or drink alcohol.
Turn on a light when you give or take medicines at night so that you know you have the correct amount of the right medicine.
Keep medicines in their original bottles or containers.
Monitor the use of medicines prescribed for children and teenagers, such as medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
Dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs. Follow federal guidelines. Source: Food and Drug Administration.
Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have any questions or concerns about your medications!


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Issuer Delisting; Order Granting the Application of IVAX Diagnostics, Inc. to Withdraw its Common Stock, $.01 par value, from Listing and Registration on the Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. File No. 1-14798
July 15, 2005
On June 6, 2005, IVAX Diagnostics, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Issuer"), filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"), pursuant to Section 12(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act")1 and Rule 12d2-2(d) thereunder,2 to withdraw its common stock, $.01 par value ("Security"), from listing and registration on the Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. ("BSE"). Notice of such application requesting comments was published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2005.3 No comments were received. As discussed below, the Commission is granting the application.
On June 1, 2005, the Board of Directors ("Board") of the Issuer approved a resolution to withdraw the Security from listing and registration on BSE. In making the decision to withdraw the Security from BSE, the Board stated that the following reasons, among others, factored into its decision. On January 13, 2000, b2bstores.com, Inc. ("b2bstores"), the predecessor to the Issuer, filed a Form 8-A/A with the Commission stating that b2bstores had registered the Security to list on BSE. On March 14, 2001, the Issuer, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of IVAX Corporation, merged with and into b2bstores, and on the same day, the Issuer filed a Form 8-A/A with the Commission stating that the Issuer had registered its Security to list on the American Stock Exhange, LLC ("Amex"). Since that time, the Security has been, and currently continues to be, principally listed and traded on Amex, while it is only listed (but not traded) on BSE.
The Issuer stated in its application that it has complied with BSE rules by complying with all applicable laws in the State of Delaware, the state in which the Issuer is incorporated, and by filing with BSE the required documents governing the withdrawal of securities from listing and registration on BSE. The Issuer's application relates solely to withdrawal of the Security from listing on BSE and shall not affect its continued listing on Amex or its obligation to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Act.4
The Commission, having considered the facts stated in the application and having due regard for the public interest and protection of investors, orders that the application be, and it hereby is, granted, effective at the opening of business on July 18, 2005.
For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.5
Jonathan G. Katz
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Modified: 06/2/2005


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The Ruins of Amidia
Halflings are the most populous race on Espar. Occupying the central hills and trade routes of the continent, they are a race built for travel, flexibility, and adaptation. These are skills that served them well in the Fenlander Wars; along with the Orcs, the Halflings were the most devastated race on the continent.
Halflings have always had a nomadic tradition, and those who still reside in the hills keep up the traditional migration routes. After the war, however, many Halflings settled in permanent or semi-permanent settlements along the largest rivers and the southern shores on the Sea of Fortune. These settlements, originally intended for purposes of defense, soon outgrew their fortress walls, and are now large, colorful masses of makeshift buildings in a constant state of construction.
Social Culture
Family Structure
Halflings live in tightly knit extended family groups or tribes. Most of a person's life is spent with their tribe, serving in whatever capacity their natural talents and inclinations lead them. All members of a tribe are expected to contribute, even the children and elderly, and laziness and apathy are believed to be the worst traits a person could have.
Tribes are arranged into larger groupings of clans. Halfling clans lay claim to different areas of land, towns, or migration paths. Marriages often take place outside of the tribe, but almost never outside of the clan. Clan leaders meet every two years during a month-long midsummer festival called Atar-rati , during which there are games, contests, and the opportunity for tribes from far-flung corners of the continent to trade and interact with each other.
There are five major clans in existence today, each made up of a dozen or more tribes of varying sizes. Each clan's land holdings have helped shape the industries and habits of its members:
Mountain Goat Clan: This clan holds the western-most lands of any Halfling tribe, from the foot of the Loranian Plateau through the Gold Road Pass and scattered throughout the Southern Shroudvine Mountains. The Mountain Goat Clan is known for its fine goldsmiths. Prominent tribes: Star House Tribe, Gold Dust Tribe, Far Out Fort Tribe.
Dog Clan: The Dog Clan, currently the largest and most powerful of the Halfling clans, controls the central hills of the Halfling territories. This clan is best known for its powerful and well-trained riders. Prominent tribes: Golden Armor Tribe, Between the River Fork Tribe, Hilltop Tribe.
Singing Waters Clan: This clan occupies the northern tip of the Halfling territories, bordering both the Gnome Holds and the Fenlands. This clan is particularly skilled at river trade, and can be found aboard barges nearly as often as astride a dog. Prominent tribes: Rabbitfoot Tribe, Small Lake Tribe, Thistledown Tribe, Bitter Water Tribe.
Spear Clan: The most sedentary of all the Halfling clans. After the Fenlander Wars, this clan settled on the southern coast of Espar and became very involved in fishing and sea trade. Prominent tribes: Horseshoe Crab Tribe, Coast Town Tribe, Tribe From Across the Water.
Thistle Clan: The eastern-most Halfling clan. This clan is the smallest in population, and the most traditional of all Halfling Clans. They are renowned for their fighting and hunting prowess, as well as for their powerful shamans. Prominent tribes: Golden Eagle Tribe, Running Doe Tribe, The Opening of the Day Tribe, Dog Teeth Tribe.
Religion & Magic
Halflings believe in an expansive host of nature spirits who inhabit the environment around them. While these spirits are not worshiped in any formal way, there is a large oral tradition regarding the appeasement of these spirits to enable good hunts, birthing, weather patterns, and other everyday occurrences.
Held in higher esteem are the legendary heroes of the Halfling Sagas. These heroes range from historical leaders to mythical giants who shaped the hills and rivers. While still not worshiped in the traditional sense, these heroes often appear in popular stories and in decorative motifs.
Shamans are the spiritual leaders of the tribes, as well as the keepers of magical knowledge. The most senior of shamans are masters of many types of magic. Lesser shamans will aid the head shaman in performing routine rituals and bits of magic, particularly divinations and other readings of omens and signs. Shamans are closely associated with deer and stags, and during ceremonies and other special occasions can be easily picked out by their elaborate mock-antler golden headdresses.
Shamans oversee celebrations and rituals pertaining to life events, such and birth and deaths. Their most intimate involvement occurs during time of initiations, however. During liminal times for people in the tribe, it is the Shaman's duty to care for their needs, lead them, and act as elder and parent when no other member of the tribe may do so. Initiations, cleansings, and other transformational rites differ from clan to clan and tribe to tribe, but all Halflings look to their shamans to direct these vital and uniting rituals.
Material Culture
Halflings, as traditionally nomadic peoples, do not often have possessions they cannot carry easily on their person. Their most valued possessions are their riding dogs, which are specially bred for speed and strength. The Dwarves have a saying about the Halflings: "they are born to the saddle," and the saying is not far off. Riding is a vital skill in the lives of Halflings, and it permeates every corner of their culture. Dogs are believed to have been created alongside Halflings, as two parts of the same being. Halfling riding dogs come in a range of colors and patterns from dark brown to nearly white, and typically stand between three and three-and-a-half feet tall. Their coats are kept carefully brushed and cut to the individual rider's preferences. Popular cuts include overall-long (the coat is allowed to grow long to a uniform length, and kept carefully trimmed at that single length), short with a mane (where the coat is kept long only around the neck, to allow for easy handling while riding), and decorative shaving (in which geometric patterns are shorn into the coats, especially along the back haunches).
The second-most valuable asset to Halflings are their herds of goats and, in the western regions, cattle. Traditional migration routes followed the feeding migrations of these herds. The goats and cattle are mostly kept for their milk (and the resulting dairy products) and their harvested hair, which is woven into garments, tents, and other products, along with leather. The thick mats which are woven by Halfling craftmasters for covering the floors and walls of their tents are especially beautiful, and held in high regard by many races. Occasionally, herd animals are slaughtered for meat, but this is only in times of great scarcity or on special occasions. The rest of the year, Halflings subsist on what can be hunted or gathered from the area around them.
This pattern of herding and movement has been broken somewhat by the Spear Clan. Most of the tribes of the Spear Clan have settled on the warm southern coast of Espar in permanent villages. They have still kept their gathering habits, but have instead turned their riding and herding skills into sailing and fishing. The Halfling sailors of the Spear Clan have not forgotten their race's legendary navigation skills, and are considered the most daring and skilled sailors on the waters.
Gold is a favored ornament of Halflings. Aside from their dogs and herds, gold is a signal of wealth. Fine gold jewelry and ornaments are produced by Halfling artists, particularly in the Mountain Goat Clan. It is not uncommon to see both men and women wearing gold earrings, necklaces, and rings, though hair ornaments and bracelets are almost exclusively worn by women. Gold plays a prominent role in important life cycle celebrations, and is a traditional costume element in many occasions.
Halflings are somewhat infamous for their use of intoxicating substances of nearly every variety, both for ritual and recreational purposes. However, like most aspects of Halfling culture, the specifics of their use varies from tribe to tribe.


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The land God has given us is in Himself. He is our exceeding great reward. We have been invited to partake of the divine nature, to be the expression of His word in the circumstances of life. It's such a vast place, limitless and boundless, without beginning and without end, when we come into this land, when we come into heaven through the revelation of the word and of Christ, we can posses as far as our 'eyes' can 'see'. When we are in faith in Christ, we can posses what belongs to us, because in Him all the promises of God are "yes" and "so be it." They are finished, they are done!
Jesus says that in 'this house' there are 'many rooms', and He has gone in and prepared 'a place' in God for each of us, that now through faith we are where He is, what He is, and have what He has obtained. He has become, that we might be, He has entered, that we might be where He is by faith; citizens of heaven, in God and seated on the right hand of God in heaven, reigning as kings in life, ruling like God in this world. As He is, so are we in this world. Through faith we are receiving in this life what He is and walking in all that He is.
This land is a spiritual land that faith translates into physical manifestations. Christ has made room for us in God, which we enter into by faith. Through faith we have gained access into and stand in the grace of God, functioning in that place where we are absolutely confident in Who and What God is. The unsearchable riches of Christ is become ours by faith, Christ has been made wisdom to us through which we have access to participate in all that God is. It is an extraordinary permission we have in Christ. Right now, this very moment, it is all yours. Through faith you can walk in the finished works of Christ, you are the physical body of the invisible Christ; the flesh and bones of Christ. You are the church of Christ.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Begin to see yourself living in the expanse of this land in the sphere of life where you're planted. See Christ in you, see the word of God manifested in your life, have the same mindset that Jesus had; "God is my Father, I am His son, and all that He has belongs to me. His heart is my heart, His thoughts are mine to think, His words are mine to speak, His acts are mine to relive, His results are mine to reap. I and my Father are one. I am fully permitted to be as He is."