text:
Home/Featured/#GamerGate and Game Journalism's Ethics Problem
FeaturedFeminism
#GamerGate and Game Journalism's Ethics Problem
Rebecca Watson September 25, 2014
Support more videos like this at http://patreon.com/rebecca
Overview of harassment against Zoe Quinn
IRC chat logs
Duke Nukem PR fail
Kotaku on mock reviews
EA's BS
A good criticism of Metacritic et al
Sorta transcript:
You may be familiar with the GAMERGATE phenomenon, which basically goes like this: a female game developer made a game called Depression Quest to let gamers experience what it's like to live with depression. She was immediately harassed by mostly male gamers who didn't think the game was worthy. Her ex-boyfriend published a tell-all blog post accusing her of sleeping around, including sleeping with a game journalist. The journalist in question never actually reviewed Depression Quest, but gamers used the ex's allegations as an excuse to harass the developer further, threatening her life, publishing her home address and phone number, and forcing her to leave her home and stay with friends in fear for her life. There appears to be no equivalent bullying of the reviewer she supposedly slept with.
The gamers then came up with the gamergate hashtag as a rather blatant cover for their violent misogynistic harassment, disguising it as concern for ethics in game reviews. When people saw through that trick, they came up with the NOTYOURSHIELD hashtag, in which they created sock puppet accounts pretending to be women and minorities who agreed with the GAMERGATE hashtag, as though their poor arguments and transparent misogyny would be made more palatable if it came from someone from an oppressed group. It's the Twitter equivalent of saying you can't be racist because you have a vague, unnamed black friend who once laughed at your racist joke. "Oh, my arguments make no sense? Well what if I have this WOMAN say it?"
There are hundreds of pages of chat logs showing the gamers dreaming up these cover operations specifically to cover for threatening and harassing women…you can find a link to those logs below via We Hunted the Mammoth, where a blogger does an admirable job of wading through them and posting the horrors he found.
So I won't spend much time on all that. What I do want to point out is that there actually are problems with ethics in video game journalism, but they have nothing to do female indie game developers having friends or lovers in the industry.
Back in 2011, the Redner Group made the mistake of publicly tweeting about their plan to punish critics who gave negative reviews to Duke Nukem by not allowing those critics access to future games. The use of blacklists isn't new, but it's usually much more difficult to tell who is doing this. It's hard to prove that a publisher is purposely withholding opportunities from critics it dislikes.
But publishers can use non disclosure agreements to give exclusives to reviewers they do like, which at least forces negative reviews to wait until the game has released and positive press has already been established.
Then there are "mock reviews," in which publishers hire critics to play games early, ostensibly to make changes to improve the game before release. Because those critics took money from the developer, they are unable to publish a review on the final game. Last year, Kotaku reported that a developer admitted to their reporter that he hired a critic for a mock review and then threw away the review without even looking at it. He had hired the critic only because the critic was likely to give the game a negative review, so by hiring him, they were able to cancel out the review before it even happened.
There are also companies trying to fix their reviews from users, as EA did earlier this year with Dungeon Keeper. When the game prompted users to rate the game for Android, users were offered two options: 5 stars, which upon clicking would take them to the marketplace to leave their review, or 1-4 stars, which upon clicking would take them to a feedback form that would be sent directly to EA.
And all that isn't even getting into the problem of outlets like Metacritic, and trusting popular opinion on what makes a video game worthwhile or not. Video games have the opportunity to be so powerful specifically because they can be personalized experiences. Instead of just watching a story unfold as with a movie, you participate in the story.
It's why I and many other people are loving this new wave of indie developers who are thinking outside the box when it comes to how to use video games. Games like Depression Quest, Gone Home, Braid, and Two Brothers are taking video games to the next level, to where it becomes undeniable that regardless of what Roger Ebert once said, video games can be and are art.
Don't get me wrong: I still want video games like Borderlands where I can just spend an hour or two gunning down psychos with awesome guns for the sole purpose of getting more awesome guns. I want Citizen Kane AND Pacific Rim. True Detective AND America's Next Top Model.
We're poised to get that, with platforms like Steam allowing more indie developers than ever to find an audience and push the game industry forward. The things that are getting in the way? Review fixing by large-scale corporations, reliance on shallow popular reviews to judge a game's worth, and more than anything, conservative, Rush Limbaugh-esque misogynistic gamers spending all their time coming up with more effective ways to bully women into leaving the industry rather than trying to make the industry better.
Depression Quest is reading the comments on this video.
WijzeWillem says:
Second that, and they just go on and on..! I've been watching Rebecca's videos only for a short while, but the comments show she's on to something:).
"Comments on any article about feminism justify feminism."
http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Lewis'_Law
violets says:
I have to step in and defend Metacritic, since I'm pretty close with the people who created it. The intent of the site is specifically not to say what things are good based on popular opinion. It is a tool that gathers the professional reviews of a piece of entertainment (games, music, movies) into one place so that people can access the range of criticism easily and form their own opinions.
The original creators never intended for user review to even be a part of it, that was added in it by the corporation that bought the site, but they have done their best to keep user reviews secondary and unemphasized. Also, user reviews are not included in the Metascore that is given to the game (or movie or whatever). Only the reviews of professional critics are counted and the score is calculated using an algorithm that takes into account a reviewer's history and weights their score accordingly (so for example, if a reviewer consistently gives higher scores than other reviewers, that is accounted for).
The site does not at all rate things based on popular opinion. The current highest rated PC game is a point and click adventure by an indie developer. It has a critic score of 91 and a user score of only 6.7, but the 91 is its "Metascore." The biggest recent release, Destiny, has a Metascore of only 77 and critics scores range from 100 to 45. Gone Home, a story based game about a teen struggling with her sexuality scored an 86 on Metacritic and was listed as one of the top PC games of 2013 by the site. Scoring so highly on Metacritic gave the game a lot of publicity despite the popular opinion being really mixed, as you would expect with a game like that. It has been and is meant to be a discovery tool for exactly those types indie games (and movies and music) that you are so excited about specifically because those type of properties tend to get more critical acclaim than publicity and popular acclaim. That's why on the home page you have movies like "Pride" featured right next to movies like "Gone Girl," why Aphex Twin gets higher billing than Tony Bennett and why Hatoful Boyfriend is on the front page along with The Sims 4.
sevlevboss says:
The best point here is made early in the video.
If this #gamergate was actually about ethics in journalism, why go after the game developer and not go after the critics that allegedly showed poor ethics?
If you are going to come up for an excuse for your bad behavior, at least come up with a passable excuse.
It's a devastating critique of the entire enterprise, but none of them seem to be taking it seriously.
Bob Newel says:
It appears that there's a fundamental misunderstanding of what is meant by "corruption" between the two parties here.
In the Anti-GG side, there are 2 game design groups; Indie developers and AAA developers. The Indie developers are just trying to make good games. They're trying to fix the corruption in gaming, and get their games reviewed on an even playing field. The AAA developers manipulate journalists with monetary rewards.
According to the Pro-GG side, these two sides exist with that ongoing corruption, but the Progressive Indie developers are split into two further camps. The Indie developers that just want to make good games. Then there's a second crowd, and they don't just want Indie games, they want "progressive" Indie games. Over the last few years, this second crowd have been drinking the kool-aid and becoming more and more dominant and making friends in the right places. The games they want aren't just fun games, they've got messages! They point to other games and how sexist they are, and how their games are progressive and better. They don't want to co-exist with the other games, they want them dead. It started subtly at first, a feminist article here and there, a game getting wide spread esteem while a large portion of the readership see it as drearily DULL. Like the frog in the metaphorical saucepan, we've let things reach boiling point before we've reacted.
The Zoe debacle was the point that we looked around and realised the water around us was boiling. We made noise, we wanted answers. Why are certain games being picked apart unfairly? Why are our representatives (the journalists) backing people up that misrepresent games like Hitman, with blatant lies? If the response had been "c'mon guys, we're just diversifying, the games aren't going to change if you don't want them to" things would have been fine. Instead we got "Gamers are dead". We shrug it off, but that _stung_. It stung because it was everything that we feared, that our cultural identity had been slowly eroded until it could be smashed apart in one sweep, replaced with whatever the Progressives wanted. We looked from Man to Pig, and realised that there was no difference. We backed you guys up, supported you through all the crappy AAA reviews, and you spat it back at us. You don't want freedom in game design. You've got your own agenda just like AAA developers did, with money replaced by a position at the cool table.
You ask why the vitriol at some Indie developers? They became everything that we now hated. They came to represent the new evil, and it was so much worse than before. At least before we got to blow shit up and drive cars through shop windows. Now we were faced with the prospect of Twine driven text games about being depressed. It was over-reactionary of course, every game won't end up like that. But merely the threat that this agenda existed was enough.
The massive retaliation from the gaming media was seen as confirmation of the agenda. We began to think that it was too late, that the infection was too deep now, replacing the existing rot with a fresh virus of misandry. The yells of "privilege" gave it more steam, and the censorship of our ability to reply only added an ironic powerless tint to the accusations of "privilege". The movement picked up steam, and the more you tried to silence us, the louder we yelled. There has been abuse from both sides, and denying this will do little to repair your position. Before we can come close to resolving this issue, we need our problems to be recognised. Only then can a dialog be formed on how to move forwards from here. You call our fears absurd conspiracy, but look at yourselves and the positions you're in. Look at how a staff member for a major publication can say "I am a megaphone…I won't mind making an example out of you" and "it's funny how dudes who are 'aspiring games journalists' tweet bullshit at me as if I cannot instantly kill all their dreams" with impunity and no sense of irony. How exactly, can you kill their dreams? If there's no cool table, prove it to us. Listen to our fears, try to understand them, and respond like adults.
Peter Milley says:
I'm guessing, Bob, that this 'dialog' you speak of will be one where you never have to examine your own assumptions. That's really what gamergate is about, at the end of all things: the demand by games to never have to engage in introspection.
victoriadashtwenty says:
It feels like you're being attacked, but you aren't. You're just having to deal with people that aren't like you having a voice. It's totally scary but it doesn't actually threaten you. Sure, some games will feature people that are different from you but you know what? Good stories come from conflict. Straight white men don't have a lot of conflict, and all the conflict they do have has been done to death. And frankly it's time you guys started finding these stories condescending.
You're defending Aiden Pearce. Do you really want more Aiden Pearce?
Also I don't know what you mean by "respond like adults" but if you mean send you rape threats and steal your private intimate photos and send them to everyone on your address book and also try to get you fired I'm afraid you'll find it difficult to find anyone here that is willing to do that. That should tell you something.


text:
Prozac – drug has antidepressant action. Prozac contains the active ingredient fluoxetine, a substance selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Fluoxetine practically does not bind with other receptors, in particular, has no affinity for adrenergic, dopaminergic, histamine and cholinergic receptors. Prozac increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which leads to an increase in the duration of the stimulating action of serotonin. Fluoxetine has a marked antidepressant effect, reduces anxiety, tension and anxiety, improves mood, and helps to reduce dysphoria.
Fluoxetine has no toxic effect on the myocardium does not possess sedative activity and does not cause orthostatic hypotension.
After oral administration, fluoxetine is well absorbed in the digestive tract. Peak concentrations of fluoxetine in plasma are reached after 6-8 hours after a single dose, and equilibrium concentrations are established 2-3 weeks after the start of therapy. Fluoxetine is almost completely metabolized to norfluoksetina education and a number of unidentified substances. Metabolites excretiruyutza kidneys.
The half-life of the active component of the drug Prozac reaches 4-6 days, the active metabolite of fluoxetine from 4 to 16 days.
Prozac is used for the treatment of patients with depression of different etiology.
Prozac is prescribed to patients with bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Prozac – How to Use
Prozac is intended for oral use. Prozac capsules recommended swallowed whole without damaging the capsule, drinking plenty of drinking water. Prozac can be taken with or without food. Duration of therapy and dose Prozac determined by the physician.
Depression usually prescribe a treatment of 20 mg of fluoxetine per day.
For bulimia nervosa, it is generally recommended that fluoxetine in a daily dose of 60 mg.
When obsessive-compulsive disorders, usually prescribed fluoxetine at a daily dose of 20 to 60 mg.
When premenstrual dysphoric disorders usually recommended fluoxetine in a daily dose of 20 mg.
Depending on the severity of the disease and tolerability of fluoxetine, the daily dose may be increased to 80 mg.
The dose of fluoxetine is recommended to adjust patients receiving other drugs with a similar effect, as well as patients with concomitant diseases, and decline in liver function.
How does Prozac (Fluoxetine) work?
Side Effects of Prozac
In applying the drug Prozac in patients may develop undesirable effects characteristic of drugs of the group of inhibitors of reverse capture of serotonin. In particular the use of fluoxetine in patients noted the development of such adverse reactions:
From the side of cardiovascular system: hot flashes, atrial flutter, vasodilation, lowering blood pressure, vasculitis.
From the digestive system: dry mucous membranes of the mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, weight loss. In addition, the possible change in taste, the development of dysphagia and pain along the esophagus.
From the nervous system: fatigue, weakness, paresthesia, headache, feeling cold or heat, attacks of anxiety and restlessness, lethargy, drowsiness and dizziness. In addition, the possible development of seizures, insomnia, nightmares, decreased libido, disorders of orgasm and euphoria.
On the part of the organ of vision: mydriasis, decreased visual acuity.
From the urogenital system: violation of ejaculation, frequent urination, erectile dysfunction, vaginal bleeding, dysuria, sexual dysfunction.
Allergic reactions and reactions skin: urticaria, hyperhidrosis, rash, erythema, ecchymosis, petechiae, photosensitivity, alopecia, angioedema, anaphylactic shock.
Other: yawning, flu-like state, ataxia, dyskinesia, myoclonus, psychomotor hyperactivity. In a few cases noted the development of mania, hypomania and visual thinking.
Some side effects of the drug Prozac was noted in post-marketing studies, including in patients noted the development of idiosyncratic hepatitis, serotonin syndrome, priapism, and lack of secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
Warnings of Prozac
Prozac is not used for the treatment of patients indicating a history of hypersensitivity reactions to fluoxetine and optional components of the capsules.
Prozac is not used in pediatric practice.
Prozac is not prescribed in patients receiving pimozide, thioridazine (including after 5 weeks of stopping thioridazine), and drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase (including within 2 weeks after the end of therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Care should be taken when administering the drug Prozac patients who have had suicidal thoughts or there is a risk of such phenomena. Particularly at risk are patients in whom before you start taking fluoxetine it was noted severe depression and suicidal thoughts, and patients in whom the therapy was marked by an increase of depression and the development of insomnia. In addition to the risk factors is the development during therapy with fluoxetine expressed psychomotor stimulation.
The attending physician must persuade the patient to immediately report any thoughts or feelings that cause anxiety.
With Prozac caution should be appointed patients with diabetes, impaired renal function and liver, epilepsy, indicating a history of epileptic seizures, as well as elderly patients.
Prozac during Pregnancy
The studies observed 2072 cases of fluoxetine in the early stages of pregnancy. No identified unwanted effects of the drug
Prozac to the fetus during pregnancy. Care should be taken when administering the drug Prozac late in pregnancy, when the risk of newborn withdrawal symptoms (including the development of short-term motor restlessness, rapid breathing, irritability and difficulties with feeding).
During pregnancy, the drug Prozac is possible if the expected benefit significantly exceeds the potential risks. In the appointment of fluoxetine in the third trimester of pregnancy should monitor the condition of the newborn.
The active ingredient of the drug Prozac passes into breast milk. Use caution, prescribing fluoxetine to women who feed their babies breast.
Prozac is forbidden to take combined with pimozide, thioridazine (including after 5 weeks of stopping thioridazine), and drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase, including preparations of Hypericum perforatum (including within 2 weeks after the end of therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
With the combined use of the drug Prozac with other drugs, as well as when replacing the drug with another drug with antidepressant action should take into account that fluoxetine has a long half-life.
Fluoxetine with combined use increases plasma concentration and toxicity of phenytoin. Should be used with caution in concomitant use of these drugs and to increase the dose of fluoxetine or phenytoin during concomitant use.
The combined drug Prozac serotonergic agents (including tramadol and triptan) leads to an increase risk of serotonin syndrome. In addition, the combined use of fluoxetine with triptone increases the risk of hypertension, and vasoconstriction of coronary vessels.
Fluoxetine potentiates sedative effect alprazolama and increases its plasma concentration when administered simultaneously.
The combined use of fluoxetine with benzodiazepines may lead to increased plasma concentrations of the latter.
Lithium and tryptophan in the combined use with fluoxetine can cause serotonin syndrome. The simultaneous use of these funds is allowed only under the supervision of a physician.
Be careful to use fluoxetine in conjunction with drugs metabolized by the isozyme CYP2 D6 and drugs that alter the activity of this enzyme. These combinations can alter the pharmacokinetic profile of fluoxetine and preparations, metaboliziruthan with the participation of CYP2 D6.
Fluoxetine may increase the severity of the effects of oral anticoagulants different groups and prolong bleeding time. If necessary, the combined use of the drug Prozac with oral anticoagulants or if you take anticoagulants within 5 weeks after the end of therapy with fluoxetine should monitor the blood clotting.
Fluoxetine may increase the duration of seizures in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy.
You should not take products containing ethyl alcohol, and drinking alcohol during therapy with the drug Prozac.
Overdose of Prozac
When receiving excessive doses of the drug Prozac in patients may develop seizures, sleepiness, vomiting, nausea and tachycardia. In addition, in cases of overdose of fluoxetine may develop lengthening of Q-T interval, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, delirium, cardiac arrest, coma, hypotension, mania, fainting, stupor, pyrexia and conditions, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
It was reported 633 cases of overdose of Prozac, 378 cases had full recovery in 15 patients survived the disorders caused by taking high doses of fluoxetine, including accommodation disturbances, confusion, nervousness, vertigo, disorders of respiratory function, arterial hypertension, erectile dysfunction, movement disorder and hypomania. Reported cases of death due to overdose of fluoxetine. The largest known dose of fluoxetine adopted at once, is 8 grams (the case ended in complete recovery). Minimal dose of fluoxetine, which caused death, was 520 mg taken at one time (in this case, a clear causal relationship has not been established).
The specific antidote is unknown. With the development of symptoms of overdose should monitor the patient's condition and function of the cardiovascular system. On prescription symptomatic therapy.
The holding of forced diuresis, peritoneal and hemodialysis with an overdose of fluoxetine is ineffective.
Prozac capsules, packaged in 14 pieces in a blister packing of polymer film and aluminum foil, in a cardboard box invested 1 or 2 of the blister package.
Drug Prozac should be stored and transported in its original packaging at a temperature range of from 15 to 30°C.
In compliance with the best practices for storing the drug Prozac shelf life 3 years after production.
Analogues (Generics)
Prodep, Proflusak, Fluval, Fluoxetine.
See also the list of analogues of the drug Prozac.
1 capsule of the drug Prozac contains:
Fluoxetine hydrochloride (calculated as fluoxetine) – 20 mg;
Additional ingredients.
Pharmaceutical group: Antidepressants
Active substance: Fluoxetine
"A" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"G" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"Z" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"N" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"C" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"J" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"L" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
"E" – Generic and Brand Name Drugs
Essentiale Forte N
Fatigue in children – symptoms and treatment
Adhesions after cesarean section
How to Prevent a Hangover
Vegetables in the diet of an infant

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)
Population: Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)
Continent: Australia/Oceania
TPOX [ASTRTP250506]
ASTRTP250506 TPOX 1684 All
ASTRvW1234866 vWA 9684 All
ASTRD2288619 D2S1338 674 All
ASTRD335107 D3S1358 9702 All
ASTRD5569465 D5S818 9696 All
ASTRD8822611 D8S1179 9696 All
ASTRD11321553 D13S317 9668 All
ASTRD11666244 D16S539 680 All
ASTRD11895191 D18S51 9588 All
ASTRFG428390 FGA 9692 All
ASTRTH1153886 TH01 1830 All
ASTRCS577790 CSF1PO 1660 All
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRTP250506] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRvW1234866] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRD2288619] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRD335107] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRD11321553] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRFG428390] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRTH1153886] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.
[Australian (Northern Territory) (Caucasian)] [ASTRCS577790] Eckhoff, Carmen, Simon J. Walsh, and John S. Buckleton. "Population data from sub-populations of the Northern Territory of Australia for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci." Forensic science international 171.2 (2007): 237-249.


Examples of Propaganda from WW1 | YMCA United War Work Campaign, November 11-18, 1918.
YMCA United War Work Campaign, November 11-18, 1918.
YMCA United War Work Campaign, November 11-18, 1918. LOC Summary: Poster showing a portrait of General Pershing, with a quote from him in support of the United War Work Campaign. LOC Notes: Caption: Cabled from France August 21st, 1918, "A sense of obligation for the varied and useful service rendered to the army in France by the Y.M.C.A. prompts me to join in the appeal for its further financial support. I have opportunity to observe its operations, measure the quality of its personnel and mark its beneficial influence upon our troops, and I wish unreservedly to commend its work for the Army." Pershing. Date Created/Published: 1918. World War 1 poster provided by LOC. Original medium: 1 photomechanical print (poster) : halftone and letterpress ; 82 x 55 cm.


text:
Order in Council improves information sharing
Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne announced that an Order in Council made on 2 May will help improve the sharing of information between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development. For more information, see the media statement.
Hon Chester Borrows
Associate Minister of Social Development
IRD and MSD improve information sharing
Revenue Minister Peter Dunne and Associate Minister of Social Development Chester Borrows today announced the signing of an Order in Council to expand information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development.
Mr Dunne described the order as a positive and welcome step forward for improving efficiency and fairness.
"This is a great example of government agencies finding new, more efficient ways to work smarter to deliver a great result for the New Zealand taxpayer," Mr Dunne said.
The agencies already share client details, and this week's signing will mean that from May 31, relevant client information will be shared automatically, rather than being provided upon specific request, as is the current practice.
Mr Dunne stressed that only information needed to prove a benefit entitlement will be shared.
"Client privacy and confidentiality is paramount in this process" he said.
Mr Borrows, the Associate Minister of Social Development with responsibility for benefit fraud, lauded the change as a powerful tool to minimise overpayments and prevent fraud.
"This enhanced information sharing is the next step to deliver this Government's commitment to crack down on welfare fraud," he said.
"While the vast majority of beneficiaries do the right thing and declare their income, a small minority think it's okay to steal from the taxpayer, and steal a lot of public money. Last year fraudsters stole $22 million and 658 people were prosecuted for benefit fraud, so it's vital that the Ministry has the tools it needs to identify and stop these criminals as quickly as possible."
The new protocols are part of the Government's drive for improved information sharing between government agencies to help deliver better public services. The order will come into force on 31 May 2012 and the text is available at www.legislation.govt.nz.


text:
USCC East New York 100 Cancelled
Minot, ND (Feb 21st, 2012) The race that was scheduled to take place on March 3, 2012 in Inlet, NY has been cancelled. As many of you know, mother nature has not been friendly to the world of snowmobile racing this winter, and we are continuing to feel the effects. The area doesn't have enough snow on the site where the race was to take place, therefore forcing the USCC East and the promoter of the race to make the difficult decision to cancel it. There is no significant snow or cold weather in the forecast that would allow us to make this race work. The officials of the USCC East have tried to find an alternate place to hold the event, but the lack of a "true winter" seems to be effecting the whole Northeast.
"Making a decision like this is not an easy thing to do for sure. All year long, there is a lot of work and time that goes into planning these races and having to cancel one is a huge decision" said Erik Frigon, the coordinator for the USCC East. "We have a lot of racers that come from the New York area that drive long distances to the other races that were looking forward to the "home" race". "Unfortunately we can't control the weather and I hope that the racers and fans understand".
Both the USCC East and the promoter will continue to work together to start planning for the 2013 season and put this behind us. Look for a bigger and better event for 2013!
This race being cancelled leaves us with the Maine 100 in Greenville, ME to cap off the season. As of now, there is snow there and plenty of ice. So, the outlook is a good one and we look forward to seeing you all in Greenville.
If you have any questions, please contact Erik Frigon


free cd artwork template a unique cover idea for everyone.
free cd cover art template higher heights.
free cd art template label options for your business.
free cd cover art template album format download.
free cd cover art template templates download.
cd cover artwork template psd free templates in for the best music and.
cd artwork template psd cover research designs.
free cd cover artwork template templates for labels lovely the gospel.
free cd cover art template creative artwork.
cd cover artwork template psd model sleeve shop.
cd label artwork template download excellent free covers.
free cd cover artwork template amazing design templates.
cd artwork template psd album cover label free download covers.
cd cover artwork template psd label blank or.
free cd art template indie rock cover album label artwork design an.
free cd artwork template church market.
cd label artwork template download free vector stock image via torrent.
cd artwork template psd jacket gallery best cover templates images on.
free cd artwork template premium cover.
cd cover artwork template psd how to design label using for replication or.
free cd cover artwork template creative by on.
free cd artwork template case.
cd cover artwork template psd free word format download.
cd artwork template psd ambient cover and album art illustrator.
free cd artwork template front cover.


...there's no more work for me. I'm supposed to rest, rest, rest (though,thankfully, not strict bedrest) until 36 weeks (September 12) to avoid making the contractions worse. If they get strong again, I'm to head to the hospital. I am not to go to work.
Alan and I are coming up with a plan for Ander. I can care for him some, but probably not for two days in a row, or else I start contracting. Doris said she might be able to visit my house once or twice a week to help watch Ander, my aunt who lives in Gonzales is off on Fridays and can take him then, and we'll probably do two days in a row with an overnight in between at my mom's house during the week. That should cover childcare. As long as I don't do things for myself except when I am alone, I should be fine for the duration, if the contractions seem to follow the same pattern.
Until 34 weeks (3 weeks from today), the doctor will try to stop any contractions that I have. If I dilate to 2 cms (I'm soft and a fingertip right now, whatever that means...I think it means I've had way too many strange fingers up my woo hoo lately) or fail the Fetal Fibronecsomething test on August 20, I go to the hospital to suppress labor. If I contract >4 hour after resting, taking Tylenol and Benadryl, and a hot bath, I go to the assessment center to make sure labor isn't productive. (Fortunately, I'm holding strong at about three major contractions an hour. :/) After 36 weeks, I can probably get off of bedrest since they won't stop labor or mind the baby coming at that point anyway.
I have a sonogram next Wednesday, where they will assess size and whether the baby is practicing his breathing.
We did the bed rest around this time in the pregnancy, too. Don't eat too much ice cream!
Well, I am way behind on all blogs (including my own) what with all the sleeping... Sorry to hear you are on bedrest. Hope it helps though! Can you have friends bring over a bunch of movies? Or check out a season or two of your fav. cancelled show from the library? I wish I lived closer so I could come be helpful. Hang in there!


Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans Searching for 00 Pay day loan.
Don't miss these deals! Make sure the shop keep your personal data non-public before you purchase Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans Make sure you'll proceed mastercard on-line to shop for Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans and the store protects your information from fraudulents Make sure the client support is usually there to assist you once you place Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans great price.
Great Ways To Go About Getting A Payday Loan Whenever people incur huge sudden expenses that they need to pay off right away, cash advance loans may be a good option for them. It is in your best interest do research the payday loan process before applying. Carefully read over the information found here and make a decision about what is best for you based on facts. If you are in the process of securing a payday loan, be certain to read the contract carefully, looking for any hidden fees or important pay-back information. Do not sign the agreement until you fully understand everything. Look for red flags, such as large fees if you go a day or more over the loan's due date. You could end up paying far more than the original loan amount. Try not to deal with companies that charge you beforehand. It can come as a huge shock to find out how expensive this type of loan is. Make sure you know how high a company's interest rates are. A great tip for those looking to take out a payday loan, is to avoid applying for multiple loans at once. Not only will this make it harder for you to pay them all back by your next paycheck, but other companies will know if you have applied for other loans. A great tip for those looking to take out a payday loan, is to avoid applying for multiple loans at once. Not only will this make it harder for you to pay them all back by your next paycheck, but other companies will know if you have applied for other loans. Often times, you must have a current checking account in order to get a payday loan. This exists because lenders typically require you to give permission for direct withdrawal from the checking account on the loan's due date. The lender will then withdraw the money when you get your next paycheck. Payday loans are only short term loans and need to be paid back in under a month. The loan should be repaid in two weeks or less. The only time that you might have a little longer is if you get the loan very close to your next scheduled paycheck. The pay date will roll over to the next paycheck in this situation. Verify that you are clear on the exact date that your loan payment is due. Payday cash advances have very high interest rates, and providers often charge extortionate fees for late payments. It is imperative that these types of loans are paid on time. It's even better to do so prior to the day they are due in full. If you are in need of fast cash, and are looking into cash advance loans, you should always avoid taking out more than one loan at a time. While it might be tempting to go to different lenders, it will be much harder to pay back the loans, if you have many of them. Now that you're armed with information on payday loans, you should be able to decide whether payday advances is your best option. Many people are going through financial hardships. Knowing what all of your options are is usually the best way out of the situation.
100% Endorsement throughout 1 Hour. Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans Straightforward Apply online now.
Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans pages are very useful, you can launch your online store in few seconds. I will rate 5 stars. Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans Searching for 00 Pay day loan.
Far Northeast Houston Consolidation Loans Searching for 00 Pay day loan. you can launch your online store in few seconds. I will rate 5 stars.


text:
/* jshint -W097 */// jshint strict:false
/*jslint node: true */
'use strict';

const CALLMONITOR_NAME = 'callmonitor';
var enableConnect1012 = '--- To use the callmonitor, enable connects to port 1012 on FritsBox by dialing #96*5* and restart this adapter';

function checkPatchForECONNREFUSED(adapter) {
    if (process || process.version) {
        var ar = process.version.split('.');
        if (ar[0].indexOf('v') === 0) ar[0] = ar[0].substr(1);
        var version = 0;
        for (var i=0; i<ar.length; i++) {
            version *= 1000;
            version += ~~ar[i];
        }
        if (version >= 6000000) return;
    }

    var util = require('util');
    var old_errnoException = util._errnoException;
    util._errnoException = function (err, syscall, original) {
        if (typeof original === 'string' && original.indexOf(':1012') >= 0) {
            adapter.log.error('--- ECONNREFUSED ' + original);
            adapter.log.error(enableConnect1012);
        }
        return old_errnoException(err, syscall, original);
    };
}

var pauseStates = {
    inbound:  'ring',
    lastCall: 'end',
    connect: 'connect'
};

module.exports = function (adapter, devices, phonebook) {
    if (!adapter.config.useCallMonitor) return;
    adapter.log.debug('starting callmonitor');
    checkPatchForECONNREFUSED(adapter);

    var net = require('net');
    var connections = {};
    var timeout;
    var lastCaller, lastCallee;

    var client = new net.Socket();
    client.on('connect', function () {
        adapter.log.debug('callmonitor connected')  ;
    });

    devices.root.createNew(CALLMONITOR_NAME + '.toPauseState', { val: '', common: { name: 'On call states', desc: 'State to pause players. values are: ring, connect, end'} } );

    client.on('error', function(err) {
        if (err.errno === 'ECONNREFUSED') {
            adapter.log.error(enableConnect1012);
            //client.removeAllListeners('close');
            client.removeAllListeners();
            client.destroy();
        }
    });

    function connect() {
        client.connect({
            host: adapter.config.ip,
            port: 1012
        }).on('error', function (error) {
            adapter.log.error('Cannot start ' + CALLMONITOR_NAME + ': ' + error);
        });
    }

    client.on('close', function (hadError) {
        if (hadError) {
        } else {
        }
        if (timeout) clearTimeout(timeout);

        timeout = setTimeout(function () {
            connect();
            // client.connect({
            //     host: adapter.config.ip,
            //     port: 1012
            // }).on('error', function (error) {
            //     adapter.log.error('Cannot reconnect ' + CALLMONITOR_NAME + ': ' + error);
            // });
        }, 5000);
    });

    client.on('data', function (data) {
        var raw = data.toString();
        var array = raw.split(';');
        var type = array[1];
        var id = array[2];
        var timestamp = array[0];
        var message;
        //var dev = new devices.CDevice(0, '');
        //dev.setDevice(CALLMONITOR_NAME, {common: {name: CALLMONITOR_NAME, role: 'channel'}, native: {} });
        var dev = new devices.CDevice(CALLMONITOR_NAME, '');
        dev.force = true;
        var timer = null;

        function set(name) {
            if (timer) clearTimeout(timer);
            dev.set('.callmonitor.ringing', name === 'inbound');

            // var pause = pauseStates[name];
            // if (pause !== undefined) {
            //     dev.set('toPauseState', pause);
            // }

            dev.setChannel(name, name);
            for (var i in message) {
                if (i[0] !== '_') dev.set(i, message[i]);
            }
            dev.set('timestamp', timestamp);
            message._type = name;
            if (adapter.config.usePhonebook && phonebook) {
                if (lastCaller !== message.caller) {
                    message.callerName = '';
                    lastCaller = message.caller;
                }
                if (!message.callerName && message.caller) {
                    var pbe = phonebook.byNumber(message.caller);
                    if (pbe) {
                        message.callerName = pbe.name;
                        if (pbe.imageurl) message.imageurlcaller = pbe.imageurl;
                    }
                }
                dev.set('callerName', message.callerName);
                if (lastCallee !== message.callee) {
                    message.calleeName = '';
                    lastCallee = message.callee;
                }
                if (!message.calleeName && message.callee) {
                    var pbee = phonebook.byNumber(message.callee);
                    if (pbee) {
                        message.calleeName = pbee.name;
                        if (pbee.imageurl) message.imageurlcallee = pbee.imageurl;
                    }
                }
                dev.set('calleeName', message.calleeName);
            }
            dev.set('json', JSON.stringify(message));

            dev.setChannel('', '');
            var pause = pauseStates[name];
            if (pause !== undefined) {
                dev.set('toPauseState', pause);
                if (message.extension) dev.set('toPauseState-' + message.extension, pause);
            }

            // soef.getHttpData(message.imageurlcaller, function (err, body, res) {
            //     res = res;
            // })
            adapter.log.debug('callMonitor.set: type=' + name + ' caller=' + message.caller + ' callee=' + message.callee + (message.callerName ? ' callerName=' + message.callerName : '') + (message.calleeName ? ' calleeName=' + message.calleeName : ''));
            timer = setTimeout(function() {
                devices.update();
            }, 500);
        }

        switch (type) {
            case 'CALL':
                message = { caller: array[4], callee: array[5], extension: array[3] };
                connections[id] = message;
                set('outbound');
                break;
            case 'RING':
                message = { caller: array[3], callee: array[4] };
                connections[id] = message;
                set('inbound');
                dev.set('.callmonitor.ringing', true);
                break;
            case 'CONNECT':
                message = connections[id];
                if (!message) break;
                message.extension = array[3];
                set('connect');
                break;
            case 'DISCONNECT':
                message = connections[id];
                if (!message) break;
                switch (message._type) {
                    case 'inbound':
                        message.type = 'missed';
                        break;
                    case 'connect':
                        message.type = 'disconnect';
                        break;
                    case 'outbound':
                        message.type = 'unreached';
                        break;
                }
                message.duration = array[3] >> 0;
                //set('disconnect');
                set('lastCall');
                delete connections[id];
                break;
        }
    });
    // client.connect({host: adapter.config.ip, port: 1012}).on('error', function (error) {
    //     adapter.log.error('Cannot start ' + CALLMONITOR_NAME + ': ' + error);
    // });
    connect();
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Announcements of mergers and acquisitions continue to dominate the headlines as private equity firms, banks, consolidators, regional RIAs and the like capitalize on the significant headwinds facing standalone independent firms and RIAs.
The reality is that we are in the midst of a "seller's market", and as such, there are plenty of firms that would benefit from M&A. Even a wirehouse "sunset program" – where a retiring advisor can monetize his business via an internal transition – can essentially be considered an opportunity for the right buyer. Benefits and opportunities aside, the fact remains that many of these potential sellers don't really have a clear picture of how much their businesses are worth, let alone the benefits they may gain from M&A.
Unfortunately, determining enterprise value is a complicated process. Much like what a homeowner goes through when trying to determine the value of the home they wish to sell, there are many qualitative factors that go into the valuation equation. And when there are multiple suitors for a firm, you also have pricing leverage to factor in. To be sure, much of the ultimate valuation for a business comes down to the subjective rather than the objective; that is, the value of a seller's business is as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it.
Whether an advisor is the owner of his own firm or an employee at a major brokerage firm, these 7 areas provide key markers that drive enterprise value.
A wealth management organization is built upon people; that is, the clients and the advisors who serve them. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that firms who boast a deep and multi-generational bench of advisors are positioned to capture higher multiples. While many transactions are succession-oriented, acquirers look for sustainable firms with business development spread out amongst multiple advisors and which can transition across multiple generations.
As the business of investment advice has become largely commoditized, sophisticated buyers and major brokerage firms covet organizations that provide holistic financial advice, which encompasses financial planning, estate planning, portfolio management, etc. In addition, the litmus test of "does this firm provide a really good client experience?" – one which is repeatable and systematic – drives enterprise value.
A diversified client base – one that spans multiple age brackets – dictates a key portion of valuation. The value of a firm is the summation of future cash flows, so ensuring long-lasting client relationships is critical. Additionally, firms who cater to a particular market niche (doctors, athletes, business owners, etc.) are of particular interest to buyers as they can leverage their own scale and resources to further penetrate these markets.
RIAs and independent firms that are professionally managed and laser focused on growth, while boasting strong technology and a robust infrastructure, make the most attractive merger/acquisition partners. Especially if an acquisition means entering a new geographic market, the acquiring firm will need efficient and scalable operations with strong local leadership. Even large wirehouse teams with a dedicated COO or strong support staff can appear more attractive to the market.
It comes as no surprise that a spotty compliance record is an immediate red flag for an acquirer/recruiting organization and represents a riskier transaction. So keep this in mind, as it can create negative value even when all other areas of the business are considered prime.
While there is no perfect time to sell or transition firms, advisors always look to capture as much of their upside as possible, as buyers pay premiums for firms that still have some growth in the tank. As soon as a business shows signs of negative growth, the multiple is immediately impacted. Strong organic growth is also key. If a firm has grown purely by acquisition and it hasn't grown by its own client additions, this may signal deeper internal problems.
While the above qualitative factors drive value, deals are based on financial metrics—most notably earnings, revenue/production and AUM. The most aggressive multiples are reserved for firms with strong operating margins and have the scale to operate on their own. While EBITDA (in the RIA and indy space) and production (in the traditional space) are often market benchmarks, maintaining an efficient business model translates to maximum operating leverage for an acquirer and thus greater combined value.
Valuation, while an important consideration for any business owner looking to monetize their life's work, should only be a small factor in an acquisition. Vocalizing how a merger/acquisition will allow you to better service clients, grow the business and live a more fulfilling business life should retain the most weight in a decision. If selling or transitioning appears on the horizon, then take a long hard look at your business from the buyer's perspective and ask yourself, "What can I do enhance the value of my practice?" At the end of the day, the house you built is what's on the line. Be sure that you have recognized its "true worth" and are not short-selling yourself, your clients or your future.


text:
Platos rotos és una comèdia de situació de 13 episodis de mitja hora de durada, estrenada per Televisió espanyola el 2 d'octubre de 1985. Va ser emesa la nit dels dimecres.

Argument
Carmen és una dona de mitjana edat independent i decidida que ha d'afrontar una nova etapa en la seva vida després de ser abandonada pel seu marit. Haurà de tirar endavant a la seva mare Julia i la seva filla Mariel així com el restaurant que regentava amb el seu espòs. Per a això comptarà amb l'ajuda de la seva ingènua veïna Loli.

Repartiment
 María José Alfonso… Carmen
 Verónica Forqué… Loli
 Luisa Sala… Julia
 Yolanda Ventura… Mariel
 Félix Rotaeta… Rodrigo
 Ángel de Andrés López… David
 Vicente Parra… Germán
 Francisco Cecilio… Nando
 Jesús Bonilla… Fermín

Premis
 Fotogramas de Plata 1985
 Verónica Forqué. Millor intèrpret de televisió.
 María José Alfonso. Nominada

Episodis
 Las cuatro caras de Eva. 2 d'octubre de 1985
 Carmen Balagué
 Julia Caballero
 Benito Planell
 Julio Riscal

 Adivina quien duerme esta noche. 9 d'octubre de 1985
 Andrés Bayonas

 Alguien voló sobre el nido del colibrí. 16 d'octubre de 1985
 Margarita Calahorra
 Estanis González
 Jesús Puente
 Santiago Ramos

 La noche que vivimos peligrosamente. 23 d'octubre de 1985
 Rafael Conesa
 Luis Rico
 César Diéguez
 Susi Sánchez
 Rafael Álvarez "El Brujo"

 Julia de los espíritus. 30 d'octubre de 1985
 Chus Lampreave
 Pastor Serrador

 La tentación duerme al lado. 3 de novembre de 1985
 Margarita Calahorra
 José Lara

 La mala sombra de una duda. 6 de novembre de 1985
 Luis Lorenzo
 Jesús Puente
 Santiago Ramos

 Que el cielo nos juzgue. 27 de novembre de 1985
 Marta Sánchez de Pazos

 Sábado, maldito sábado. 25 de desembre de 1985
 Jesús Puente
 Aurora Redondo
 Pastor Serrador

 Con los ojos abiertos. 8 de gener de 1986
 Marta Fernández Muro

 Despacio, despacio. 15 de gener de 1986
 Estanis González

Referències

Sèries de televisió de Televisió Espanyola
Sèries de televisió començades el 1985

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Young Sailors steering the ship in right direction
Mapleton senior Joe Shepard, #13, had a game-high 23 points for the Sailors versus Umpqua Valley Christian on Dec. 7. (photo Zac Burtt)
By: Zac Burtt/Siuslaw News - Updated: 1 month ago
Mapleton boys showing great improvement after three games
Dec. 10, 2021 — With only seven players on their roster, some playing high school basketball for the first time, the Mapleton Sailor boys team knew there would be some growing pains. Based on the first three games of the season, it looks like the pain could be short-lived.
On Dec. 7, Umpqua Valley Christian (UVC) came to town for a non-league game with the Sailors. The Monarchs established a 15-point lead towards the end of the first half. Although Mapleton was able to close within eight points in the fourth quarter, they could never quite get over the hump and fell 56-45.
Though the loss put the Sailors at 0-3 in the season, there were many positives to take out of a hard-fought effort by the home team.
"Obviously, you're never OK with losing, but that's the kind of loss you can take and work with," said Eric Wolgamott, MHS head basketball coach.
All seven players on the roster contributed significantly. The most impressive performance of the night, however, was from Joe Shepard, the lone senior on the team. Shepard had 23 points and — at times single handedly — kept the Sailors in the ballgame.
This is Shepard's third year playing for the Mapleton basketball program. As far as Wolgamott is concerned, those years of work are paying off now. This was especially obvious in the second half versus UVC, where Shepard scored 16 of his 23 points and had numerous steals and deflections defensively.
"Joe had his best game, not of the season, but of his basketball career," said Wolgamott. "Joe has made, from his junior to senior seasons, the biggest jumps in skill I've seen in my five years at Mapleton."
Also with a great game was sophomore Keevyn Walker, who had 9 points and was a force on defense all game. Walker's high school basketball career is only in its second year, but his potential is huge.
"Keevyn is our most aggressive player and has also improved greatly since last year," said Wolgamott. "I think by the time he's a senior he could be a real force, maybe even a candidate for league MVP in a few years."
The list of contributions covers the entire roster.
Freshman Alex Burnett hit two clutch 3-pointers and is getting more confident each game.
"[Burnett] hitting two 3-pointers, not only does it help our team, but it helps his confidence even more," said Wolgamott. "He sees the ball go through the hoop. Now he knows he can make points at the high school level, and he won't be as hesitant to shoot."
Alex's brother, Brian Burnett, is a sophomore. Brian was stellar on defense against UVC and is also showing improvement in keeping the Sailor's offense moving.
"Brian is really getting good at not letting the offense get stagnant," said Wolgamott. "Whether that's with a pass or off the dribble, he's realizing the importance of keeping the ball moving."
Caleb Lewis is playing high school basketball for the first time, but with how quickly he picks things up you'd never know it.
"Lewis is a junior and this is his first year coming out and playing," said Wolgamott. "He's a hustler. He's very smart, too. With him, I have to tell him once during practice, and he picks it up just like that. He's like a sponge. For him to be able to pick things up after one time in practice is very valuable, especially because he's out there during practice coaching his teammates."
Freshman Dom Stewart, playing competitive basketball for the first time, has been a natural on defense.
"The kid manages to get four or five steals every practice," said Wolgamott. "He just knows how to be in the right place at the right time. He's improved each game. Dom is very raw but the potential is high."
Lastly is Dom's brother Tristan Stewart. The junior is the team's center is also improving greatly each game and could be a force under the basket before this season is over.
"Tristan is so strong, but he's also started to develop some touch around the rim," said Wolgamott. "If he figures out how to use his body for power, when backing an opponent down, for example, he's going to be really consistent scorer for us down low."
Before starting Mountain West League play next week the Sailors travel to Riddle this weekend for the Cow Creek Classic, a tournament featuring four teams from around the state. Mapleton opens on Friday versus Glendale at 4:30 p.m.
Getting back to football
Siuslaw volleyball opens with a jamboree and a doubleheader
Viks volleyball victorious in very tight Sky-Em
Dec. 10, 2021 — Mapleton boys showing great improvement after three games


A breakup or other traumatic experience are common times for us women to cut their hair as we see it is the one thing we can take immediate control of; we all know it is often a struggle to adjust our feelings and move on right away.
"The Big Chop" is a nickname most women in the natural hair community will be familiar with. It is done to cut off all of your relaxed or damaged hair, leaving you with natural hair only, either a buzzed cut or a small afro, ear length curls or a full shaved head of hair. Often a drastic decision driven by emotions, those who have big chopped share that it is a really liberating experience. This fresh start is an option for those who don't wish to transition.
Our natural hair represents our self-acceptance. Along with making ourselves happy, our hair can also be a way of attracting a potential partner. The hours we spend getting our hair perfect for date night or girls' night out is a reflection of our confidence. When we decide to chop our hair off, it is us choosing to make a sacrifice and careless attitude to what men think or our partners think.
A breakup or other traumatic experience are common times for us women to cut their hair as we see it is the one thing we can take immediate control of; we all know it is often a struggle to adjust our feelings and move on right away. In a soppy way, our hair is a window to our souls--it carries many memories often related to the bonding process we have with the maternal figures in our lives as well.
Some natural hair bloggers and vloggers have taken part in the Big Chop as part of a public shedding process. For example, Shameless Maya had doing the Big Chop on her bucket list and was going through a divorce when she decided to film it and start over.
The London Curls is another natural hair blogger who recorded her Big Chop and selflessly donated to Age UK, a charity that became close to her heart after the passing of her grandparents.
While my natural hair journey had a lot to do with a frustration of having damaged ends and putting my trust in a good hairdresser, funny enough, I was going through a break up at the time as well. It was a great time for me to start over. When I did it, I felt like a new woman and it made me feel more confident with myself.
The next time someone tells you "It's just hair!"
Tell them yes, they are right. However, there is often an emotional reason behind any hair choice we choose to make and that is the beauty of us being women! No one can take that strength away from us.
What motivated you to Big Chop?


I talked to Jim about 2 weeks ago on the phone with a few questions on eggcampers. They are still closed. Jim has had a surgery and cannot do the heavy work. He is looking for a transition plan for the production to somebody else. He did not mention a timeline for this business transition nor a restart of production date.
I went to their site and sent an email to the info@eggcamper.com address. Will be interesting to see if I get a return.
Sorry to hear that about Jim. I hope he manages a secure transition, for both the trailers and himself. Be a shame to lose either.
I had contact with the owner about a month ago. I have the same info that Joe has. It has taken longer for him to recover. It really does sound like he wants to get things up and running again soon.
Sounds like he needs a permanent change to lighter weight work. It does happen. It happened to me when I was only 35 years old. You don't always get back the ability to do heavy lifting after a surgery, I did not.
I had wondered about this. I, too, hope he gets up and going again soon. I had wondered after listening to one of the TV video clips about his business if he might be starting look ahead to where the business would go in the future by his comments. Of course, as we age, we all start to look a little ahead to be some what prepared for what may come, maybe an advantage to being younger and feeling invincible. I hope he'll be able to continue working with smaller projects as he is very creative and seems to enjoy that kind of work.
Was glad to find the post, did a search, since I had been wondering also.
Any news on Jim's health and the likelihood of more EggCampers being produced in the future? Does anyone happen to have an accurate number on how many EggCampers Jim produced before he had to shut the shop down?
Has anybody have personal experience with the egg camper? How would you compare them to a little Snoozy, or casita?
I have heard nothing new. As for production numbers, I would "guess" less than 150. I have a 2013 and it is number 120. I think 2014 was the last of em. I wondered the same thing tho!
I've owned a Casita and now an EggCamper. My experience is there are trade offs. No disrespect to the Casita at all, but I prefer the Egg by a lot. Its more for the room and "feeling" inside the camper. The Egg feels like you are sitting in a big room. The Casita more of a narrow hallway. Height and width win in the Egg. I'm almost 6'6". I had to bend my head in the Casita and sleep with knees pulled up. In the Egg I stand straight up with 1" to spare and sleep straight with 4-5 inches to spare!
But as Dale mentioned, that openness comes at a price of storage. You have to do a lot of work on the Egg to get good storage space. I did add shelves in all 3 storage areas, but as Dale mentioned if I need to work on the electrical - I have to remove the shelving. The Casita has a LOT more amenities that the Egg does not. Propane heat and hot water in the Casita are HUGE pluses. The Casita also has bigger tanks. You can add amenities to the the Egg and have the best of both worlds - but at a significant price in modifications. You can read thru my journal in my signature below for some mods I have done to the Egg. Hope this helps!
Andrew, I see you are in Florida. So are we (or will be when we get back there next month). Our 2010 Eggcamper is going to be for sale next month if you are interested in giving it a look. I will put the "for sale" posting up in the marketplace section of this website when I get it ready. We have a generator and solar so boondocking is possible.


text:
Tag Archives: civilization
Civilization is Human Domestication
Human civilization is a fancy word for a survival strategy in which people get to together in hives and crush peoples living in smaller hives.
In the course of adopting such a strategy, we are no longer heavily selected for our abilities to survive as individuals but for those traits that allow us to thrive in groups. We become more dependent on the communal barn for feed, ever less able to think or act on our own.
When I look at definitions of what fundamentally sets humans apart from animals, the ability to talk is always near the top of the list. Talking, at its most basic level, though is just an ability that allows groups to coordinate better. It is a highly sophisticated behavior. But sophisticated behaviors are commonplace in nature. How about eels, salmon, and numerous birds that can migrate with extreme precision, or parasitoid jewel wasps that can disable one precise part of a cockroach's brain with its stinger, or any number of creatures that can make precise, powerful strikes in fractions of a second? To name a very few…
A perfectly civilized state does not mean a race of enlightened of beings, it means a colony of eusocial insects, highly efficient but without consciousness or agency.
On another extreme we have impotent individuals never associating, easy prey to even the most dissolute enemy groups.
The accomplishments and qualities we associate with the best qualities of humanity, though, are not completely civilized but represent the Aristotelian golden mean between the virtues of individualism and the collective.
Individualists are easy meat for more organized foes.
Eusocial Zerg and Borg are vulnerable to reasonably cohesive groups that retain qualities of creativity and conscious will.
Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan understood something basic about humanity. Our modern day barbarian trope is of a grunting musclehead, but a Howard-style barbarian while sparing with words is smart and quick. Conan is a simple man compared to a merchant but he readily perceives that civilization promotes corruption and complacency of the spirit rather than greatness.
In real life, is it any surprise that the things we call the greatest accomplishments of civilization can be only a limited number of generations away from barbarism?
Barbarians in their natural state accomplish nothing. Perfectly civilized people live in sophisticated stagnation. But when history chances on a certain Aristotelian golden mean between the two states, we see great accomplishments and conquests.
But on its path to civilized domestication, a people always passes up the golden mean and sinks into a stable state where much remains the same for centuries and the few new ideas are crushed.
The early Mesopotamian peoples, the first to be civilized, lived in a system of highly dynamic city states making innovations for the first 1000 years or so. They became relatively stagnant in their progress by 1000 BC
The Egyptians followed a similar, perhaps slightly later trajectory.
Then we see Chinese, Indians, and Greeks rise simultaneously to their heights between 400-200 BC, then stagnating ever since. Today it amazes us that the Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Socrates, Plato were contemporaries, their world-changing ideas packed into just a couple human generations, coming from human populations that were puny compared to now, with far less wealth and technology.
If we likened innovation to a flame, we must notice it consumes its hosts and moves on to another, always to some barbarian neighbor on the fringes of the old civilization. The price of openness to change is instability.
When the Mediterranean world was thoroughly spent and domesticated, the forces of creativity moved into Northern Europe, and eventually into America, a colony of Northern Europe. In the past there always seemed someplace new for these forces to move on to but is it so anymore? Now there are no more new frontiers, the entire world has been explored. Modern weapons prevent the easy rise of opportunistic conventional barbarian armies. The same system of finance has spread across the entire planet. Most of the world speaks a few standardized languages. Never has humanity been more civilized and centralized.
One might wonder if the world is bound to sink into thousands of years of stagnant slumber. Perhaps the future could be more like Dune or Star Wars where technology and political systems remain unchanging for thousands of years.
Maybe in 5-600 years the world is colonized and revitalized in the great African enlightenment?
But the same question remains until we progress to some sort of singularity event — who then raises civilization to its next stage when all the races of the world have been spent?
This leads us to wonder: why do civilizations after a certain point cease to innovate?
My guess is that it has to do with the intense competition that comes with any saturated ecosystem. A relatively new civilization has its frontier period for some generations where everyone is filling a proliferation of new niches. But once those niches are filled the system ossifies.
Innovation is the product of leisure, not of drudgery. No one has time to think of something new when they are lost in competition, never more than a half step ahead of a gibbering pack of rivals trying to pull them down and outcompete them. Under these pressures people are forced to increasingly specialize until they no longer have the luxury of seeing more than their immediate field — until the man who is a wrench expert knows nothing of screwdrivers. When everyone is micro-specialized, the puzzle pieces one must assemble to arrive at an epiphany remain lying scattered about untouched.
I notice rice valley civilizations of India and China, or the wheat floodplains along the Nile were especially densely populated very early in their histories. Thousands of years of crowded living barely subsisting off their one staple crushes liberty and creativity. Worse, one despot can easily dominate a river valley and keep millions in thrall with his edicts. People from these kinds of civilizations are the most domesticated of all, the world's best specialists, more able to devote themselves tirelessly to one task than any other, but their relentless minds are also the most rigid and unimaginative.
It surprises me little that the one great flash of genius China had since its ancient period of warring states was during the Ming dynasty, after Mongol rule and then the black plague had reduced the population by about 50 million people(about 1/3rd), freeing up the space required to try new things.
Then, for once, China showed significant interest in world exploration and trade launching entire treasure fleets before turning inward again for good. Maybe slightly more favorable conditions would have resulted in a 15th century Chinese industrial revolution and colonization? Or perhaps Chinese by that point already civilized for a couple thousand years had already lost too much of that barbarian fire of inspiration.
We see a similar emptying out of Europe in the black plague and turmoil of the 14th century after which European nations began their rise to prominence.
But Northern Europe at that time in contrast to the Chinese was just a few centuries removed from barbarian tribes. Given a push by similar forces, they also turned outwards and began to innovate, but they didn't stop.
It is also notable that Europe has never been dominated by just a few river flood plains with all human affairs governed by the distribution or withholding of the one staple food source. It's a region that has never been politically united, there have always been kingdoms forced to compete against one another, ready to adopt change that might give them an advantage.
Europeans are fairly unique in that they have lived off a variety of grains and supplemented them with dairy products and significant amounts of meat. Across much of the world, dairy is more typical of a staple for nomad pastoralists than for settled people.
It occurs to me that yogurt, butter, and cheese is used from India to the Middle East, but I would think it plays a relatively minor role in the diet outside of traditionally nomadic regions compared to Europeans. An Indian might use ghee or butter for a curry, milk or paneer cheese to make their pistachio and rose water sweets, or load up their chai with heavy cream, but rice remains their overwhelming staple. They have, to my knowledge, no equivalent to Europeans downing entire glasses of milk and eating entire cheeses straight in their civilized core regions.
Northern European nations and colonies now seem they may be going the way of civilized people before them. Enough generations that reward rule-following, shop-keeping, credential-accumulating, and school-attending more than risk and invention. Soon enough, the fiery free spirits have been culled whether from the battlefields or the laboratory. After all, civilization is a system that selects for those sheep who benefit the king, who sit still in one place to be sheared year after year.
The stability that comes with complete domestication is inimical to the qualities we value most, which we suppose are uniquely civilized — when in fact, they result from an ideal balance of qualities.
economics, Societies	balance, barbarian, civilization, domesticated humans, flood plain, human domestication, innovation, rice valley
Where There's Tea There's Civilization
Leave a comment Posted by Giovanni Dannato on December 3, 2014
Just as I suppose there's no such thing as home without piping hot food, there's no such thing as civilization without hot tea.
Hot tea requires taking your time. The caffeine is stimulating but not overwhelmingly so. The very act of sipping requires patience. Every little sip is a ritual of taking delight in the smaller things. You have to be able to hold back and enjoy sips before a large bite can taste its best.
This goes not just for food, but all life's pleasures.
Without enjoying the sips, hedonistic overload devolves into the ashen discontent of jaded excess.
Being able to sit down and sip slowly is the mature sensibility of an adult rather than the capricious, excessive desire of a child. It's the ability to wait for good things to grow rather than plundering a lesser reward right now.
Taking tea with others is a ritual of humanity. You pour from same pot as equals, you sit near, humbly, looking one another honestly in the eye. Taken together, it's about acknowledging another's humanity even should they be your mortal enemy outside of that moment.
A person who can't take tea with you is not a real person, never to be let into one's trust.
If they can't share tea with you from the same pot and look you in the eye, how can they be relied on to back you up when it counts? When survival is at stake? How can they be taken seriously as an ally in this perilous wilderness if they won't even acknowledge shared humanity on the most basic level?
aesthetics, food and drink, philosophy, Societies	acknowledge, ceremony, civilization, civilized, culture, cultured, fundamental, human, humanity, refined, ritual, tasteful, tea
How Fleeing Ancestral Parasites Enabled Civilization
"The extraordinary variety of human parasites that exist in Africa suggests that Africa was the principal cradle for humankind, for nowhere else did the adjustment between human and nonhuman forms of life achieve anything like the same biological elaboration.
Many of the parasitic worms and protozoa that abound in Africa do not provoke immune reactions.
Opportunities for transfer from one host to another multiply with increased human density…when a critical threshold is surpassed, infection can suddenly develop into runaway hyperinfection. Such epidemic situations seriously interfere with normal activity…
This…can soon reduce a population until the local density sinks safely below the threshold necessary for hyperinfection.
The establishment of human hunters at the top of the food chain…did not…do much to alter these age-old ecological relations. In triumphantly claiming a new niche, humanity did not, therefore, transform the system as a whole.
Until relatively recent times (say five thousand years ago), human communities in Africa played a comparatively modest role amid the abundance of other life forms. Humans were the chief predators, to be sure, but remained relatively rare in the balance of nature.
It is…mainly because sleeping sickness…remains so devastating to human populations that the ungulate herds of the African savanna have survived to the present. Without modern prophylaxis, humans simply cannot live in regions where the tsetse fly abounds…Within the tsetse's range, something resembling a pre-human ecological balance survives to the present.
In leaving tropical environments behind, our ancestors also escaped many of the parasites and disease organisms to which their predecessors and tropical contemporaries were accustomed.
Humanity's place within the balance of nature in tropical regions differed fundamentally from what developed in temperate and Arctic climatic zones.
The array…of infections and infestations was vastly diminished from what had thriven in the tropical luxuriance of humanity's oldest habitat.
Thus humankind's biological dominion in temperate climes assumed a different order of magnitude from the start.
Humanity was in a situation like rabbits met when introduced into Australia. Lacking both natural predators and natural parasites in the new environment…
Food production permitted a vast and rapid increase in the number of people, and so sustained the rise of cities and civilizations."
Plagues and Peoples
William H McNeill
Excerpts taken from pages, 19-30 in no exact order so long as I put the main idea out there as succinctly as possible.
This guy is brilliant, but he really needed an editor.
Africa, ancient world, biology	ancient, civilization, disease, early, excerpt, h, humans, mcneill, migration, origin, parasites, plagues and peoples, prehistoric, william
Pre-Politically Correct History: Traditional Hindu Marriage vs. Western 'Romantic' Marriage
1 Comment Posted by Giovanni Dannato on July 26, 2012
"The child was hardly born when the parents began to think of its marriage. For marriage, in the Hindusystem, was compulsory; an unmarried man was an outcast, without social status or consideration, and prolonged virginity was a disgrace. Nor was marriage to be left to the whim of individual choice or romantic love; it was a vital concern of society and the race, and could not safely be entrusted to the myopia of passion of the accidents of proximity; it must be arranged by the parents before the fever of sex should have time to precipitate a union doomed, in the Hindu view, to disillusionment and bitterness…
Should marriage be arranged to coincide with sexual maturity, or should it be postponed, as in America, until the male arrives at economic maturity? The first solution apparently weakens the national physique, unduly accelerates the growth of population, and sacrifices the woman almost completely to reproduction; the second solution leaves the problems of unnatural delay, sexual frustration, prostitution, and venereal disease. The Hindus chose child marriage as the lesser evil and tried to mitigate its dangers by establishing, between the marriage and its consummation, a period in which the bride should remain with her parents until the coming of puberty. The institution was old…it had been rooted in the desire to prevent intercaste marriage through casual sexual attraction…"
Will Durant, Our Oriental Heritage, 1935
history	civilization, culture, Durant, India, Indian, marriage, society, traditional, Will
Pre-Politically Correct History: Eugenics and Hindu Caste
"The caste system had the eugenic value of keeping the presumably finer strains from dilution and disappearance through indiscriminate mixture; it established certain habits of diet and cleanliness as a rule of honor which all might observe and emulate; it gaver order to the chaotic inequalities and differences of men, and spared the soul the modern fever of climbing and gain; it gave order to every life by prescribing for each man a dharma, or code of conduct for his caste; it gave order to every trade and profession, elevated every occupation into a vocation not lightly to be changed, and, by making every industry a caste, provided its member with a means of united action against exploitation and tyranny. It offered an escape from the plutocracy or the military dictatorship which are apparently the only alternatives to aristocracy; it gave to a country shorn of political stability by a hundred invasions and revolutions a social, moral and cultural order and continuity rivaled only by the Chinese."
Despite all the flaws and cruelty we've seen come from the Hindu caste system there's something to be said for making sure people spend more time getting things done rather than putting all their energy into competing for status.
Also, compared to the constant uncertainty of existence in our own society there is something to be said for being born into a trade union that has real leverage.
Though we must be mindful of the sort of strife that is typical in Indian society, surely there are important lessons to learn from them as well. Lessons that can put the barbarous excesses of our own system in perspective.
Finally, results matter. Hindu society has proven far more stable for far longer than our own.
Another Excerpt on Hindu Caste and Eugenics from 1927
ancient world, history, Societies	caste, civilization, culture, Durant, eugenics, genetics, India, Indian, social, society, structure, will durant
Pre-Politically Correct History: Primitive Languages Lack Abstraction
1 Comment Posted by Giovanni Dannato on June 18, 2012
"The languages of nature peoples are not necessarily primitive in any sense of simplicity; many of them are as complex and wordy as our own, and more highly organized than Chinese. Nearly all primitive tongues, however, limit themselves to the sensual and particular, and are uniformly poor in general or abstract terms.
So the Australian natives had a name for a dog's tail, and another name for a cow's tail, but they had no name for tail in general. The Tasmanians had separate names for specific trees, but no general name for tree; the Choctaw Indians had names for the black oak, the white oak the white oak and the red oak, but no name for oak, much less for tree.
Doubtless many generations passeed before the proper noun ended in the common noun. In many tribes there are no separate words for the color as distint from the colored object; no words for such abstractions as tone, sex, species, space, spirit, instinct, reason, quantity, hope, fear, matter, consciousness, etc.
Such abstract terms seem to grow in a reciprocal relation of cause and effet with the development of thought; they become the tools of subtlety and the symbols of civilization."
ancient world, history, Linguistics, philosophy, Societies	aborigines, abstraction, civilization, Durant, language, linguistics, logic, metaphor, native americans, philosophy, primitive
Pre-Politically Correct History: The Fall of Babylon to the Persians
Leave a comment Posted by Giovanni Dannato on May 21, 2012
"Within thirty years after his(Nebuchadrezzar's) death his empire crumbled to pieces…The army fell into disorder; business men forgot love of country in the sublime internationalism of finance; the people, busy with trade and pleasure, unlearned the arts of war. The priests usurped more and more of the royal power, and fattened their treasuries with wealth that tempted invasion and conquest. When Cyrus and his disciplined Persians stood at the gates, the anti-clericals of Babylon connived to open them to him, and welcomed his enlightened domination."
-Will Durant, Our Oriental Heritage, 1935
ancient world, history, Societies	babylon, civilization, corruption, Cyrus, Durant, persia, priesthood
Pre-Politically Correct History: Dysgenics, Immigration, and the Fall of the Assyrian Empire
Leave a comment Posted by Giovanni Dannato on April 27, 2012
"The Assyrian armies…were weakened by the very victories that they won; in each victory it was the strongest and bravest wo died, while the infirm and cautious survived to multiply their kind; it was a dysgenic process that perhaps made for civilization by weeding out the more brutal types, but undermined the biological basis upon which Assyria had risen to power…
They had brought into Assyria, as captives, millions of destitute aliens who bred with the fertility of the hopeless, destroyed all national unity of character and blood, and became by their growing numbers a hostile and disintegrating force in the very midst of their conquerors."
How often do we see this kind of deeper analysis in modern day scholarship?
ancient world, history, Societies	assyria, assyrian, civilization, Durant, dysgenics, eugenics, hbd, human biodiversity


New Holland is launching two automatic section and rate control products, IntelliRate™ Control (for non-ISOBUS implements) and a new Precision Land Management™ (PLM™) Task Controller (for compatible ISOBUS compliant implements), that will enable growers with mixed fleets to precisely control multiple brands of implements using the IntelliView™ IV display in their New Holland tractor cab. With either PLM IntelliRate Control or the new PLM Task Controller, growers can use their guidance systems to automatically turn on and off sections of planters and sprayers to eliminate double application of seed and fertilizer and vary application rates, increasing yield potential and minimizing waste.
Section control helps growers lower input costs by using their GPS system to automatically turn on and off their planter or sprayer sections, eliminating double application of products in areas that have already been covered or at headland turns, point rows, waterways, terraces, and other odd shaped areas in their fields. By doing so, they avoid double planting of rows enhancing yields and eliminating waste.
"With seed and input costs continuing to rise, there is a quick pay back and a positive return on investment for growers using this technology," says Chris Carrier, PLM Marketing Manager.
Prescription maps can also be used to vary product application rates so growers can better manage variabilities in their fields and accommodate for differences in soil types, topography, cropping history or field use. As application equipment moves across different zones in the field, GPS position is communicated to the rate controller, enabling it to vary application rates, rather than just applying a constant rate, giving growers the ability to apply higher seed populations in areas that are highly fertile, maximizing their yield performance and lower application rates in less fertile areas, or areas with poor irrigation, lowering their input cost.
IntelliRate Control is a variable rate and section control system that gives New Holland growers with mixed fleets the ability to control rate and flow applications on non-New Holland implements using the IntelliView™ IV touchscreen display in their tractor cab. It prevents seed and fertilizer overlap by automatically switching on and off up to 48 individual rows, significantly reducing input costs. IntelliRate can also vary application rates by reading prescription maps prepared in advance, enhancing yield potential, minimizing waste and increasing profit.
The new PLM Task controller gives New Holland tractor owners with mixed fleets who use compatible ISOBUS compliant implements the ability to control them using their New Holland IntelliView IV display. This new task controller enables the tractor to send commands to the implement, modifying its actions in accordance to its GPS position. It can automatically switch on and off planter sections and control application rates using prescription maps, while reducing the need for additional displays in the tractor cab.


Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar with an electric mixer on low speed.
Add in eggs, vanilla, and applesauce, and mix until combined. Mix in flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon until just combined. Finally, stir in pecans and raisins.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, and bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat for 10 minutes to brown.
Pour browned butter, leaving brown bits behind, into a medium mixing bowl. Add vanilla, confectioners' sugar, and milk to the bowl.
Mix ingredients together using an electric mixer on low speed until completely combined.
Remove cake from pan and pour glaze over cake. Slice and serve.


Browse listings of Member singles that have joined Meet Animal Lovers that are tagged with Yoga. Talking to other members who have similar interests is a pefect way to find things to do once you are dating. Create a Free Account to Find your perfect match!
Love me love my daisy..


Welcome to Inside Physique 57, the Physique 57 blog! Just as every Physique 57 workout inspires you to strive for optimal health through our challenging, dynamic and empowering fitness experience. We have launched our blog to help motivate you to continue the Physique 57 lifestyle outside of the studio.
Think of Inside Physique 57 as your guide to all things health and fitness. We will inform you about what's happening at our studios, offer workout tips, share success stories, feature giveaways and more! We dedicate our blog to you, our clients and readers, with the intention of helping you reach your goals. Together we will celebrate your individual achievements as you become stronger, exude confidence and transform into the best version of yourself!
For those new to Physique 57, we are a barre-based fitness company praised by press and regulars alike for our fun, yet rigorous technique and its rapid results. Our signature full body barre-based workout blends intervals of cardio, strength training, stretching and recovery to sculpt your arms, thighs, seat and abs and build gorgeous, long, lean muscle. Our innovative choreography, energizing music, personalized coaching and motivating community actually make you look forward to working out. Physique 57 fans can get their self-empowering workout fix at studios in New York City, Bridgehampton and Beverly Hills or at home using Physique 57 DVDs or The Physique 57 Solution book. Warning, it's addictive!
Learn more about our classes in New York, Los Angeles and the Hamptons as well as about our workout DVDs and diet and exercise book.
Do you have a specific topic you would like us to cover? Tell us in the comments below!


A sea of super puzzle fun is awaiting the fans of jigsaw challenge with this spectacular Below the Surface art puzzle from eeBoo's 1008 pc collection.
More than 1000 pieces to create a truly magical world of the under-the-sea creatures! A sea of super thinking fun is guaranteed for children and adult puzzle challenge lovers. Below the Surface 1000 pc Ocean Life Puzzle is a new unique, artistic, colorful and imaginative addition to the eeBoo's jigsaw puzzle collection. Put together a mesmerizing circle of ocean life: hundreds of fish, under-the-sea animals, ocean shore birds, corals and anemones, fish boats and sail ships! The ocean creatures theme art work of this colorful puzzle has no bottom, no top: the entire family or circle of friends can complete the puzzle starting from any side! The jigsaw puzzle comes with 1008 quality pieces and a full color insert to aid assembly. This Educational Toys Planet's ocean puzzle is well-made of quality cardboard and natural paints. Put this frame-worthy puzzle beauty together and proudly display the 25 x 25 inches spectacular sea theme picture!
Write your own review of Below the Surface 1000 pc Ocean Life Puzzle.


text:
When memories have silver backing
Silver valued at nearly $20 an ounce is a good news/bad news situation. Those who own it think it is great. Those who are working on sets that are influenced upwards by the cost of the precious metal might be a little frustrated to see their costs escalate.
Dave Harper
This week I am thinking of the positive side of the ledger. To see what you own going up in price is not a bad feeling. It generated a lot of talk around the office about the rising value of anniversary and holiday silver rounds that were given to employees of Krause Publications over the years.
Our former president and CEO, Clifford Mishler, liked giving numismatic mementos to employees. It is fair to say that most of these employees, who are not collectors, were nonplussed by them. Former ad manager Joel Edler always did a vigorous post-holiday business in buying up the KP silver rounds from fellow employees. I remember one particularly busy year for him when the going purchase price was $6.
Those KP employees, however, who kept the souvenirs have seen them rise in value far beyond the $6 price that is so vividly etched in my memory.
I have joked that I am keeping my silver rounds because they are part of my retirement plan.
Readers over the years have had the same opportunity as Krause employees. This firm used many a silver American Eagle over the years as an inducement to get people to subscribe to Numismatic News. Sadly, $20 silver makes that kind of offer a thing of the past.
However, any longtime subscriber who has taken advantage of the silver Eagle offers probably has a nice set of 20 or so pieces. Bullion value is almost $400. Retail value is about $500. That's a nice little silver stash. Its value means the money spent for the subscriptions has been offset to a very large degree by the current value of the American Eagles.
There are some magazines I have been loyal to in my life, but few ever allowed me to recoup my subscription costs over time.
I remember paying $3 a year for Coins Magazine in 1967 plus $1 to obtain the 1967 Canadian Confederation Centennial silver dollar. I still have the coin. It's value has more than paid for the subscription. I jumped on the magazine subscription offer of the following year to obtain a Voyageur Canadian silver dollar. That has appreciated in price very nicely as well.
Chet Krause recalls that an offer of the new 1964 Kennedy half dollar was the most successful subscription promotion he had ever done. I'm sorry I missed that one.
Now, though, isn't the time to remember what I missed. It is time to remember what I was a part of. Joel Edler is still buying silver. If you saw him today, would you be a seller? I'm not. I think the mementos are more valuable as memories than as metal.
• Subscribe to our Coin Price Guide, buy Coin Books & Coin Folders and join the NumisMaster VIP Program
• 2010 U.S. Coin Digest, The Complete Guide to Current Market Values, 8th ed.
• State Quarters Deluxe Folder By Warmans
• Standard Guide to Small-Size U.S. Paper Money, 1928 to Date
• Strike It Rich with Pocket Change, 2nd Edition
Shakespeare said all's well that ends well, and that is how I felt as I headed out the door at the end of the production process for last week's Numismatic News.
By Dave Harper Dec 2, 2010
Baby boomers have coins to fall back on
Recent coin drop has Numismatic News editor feeling nostalgic.
By Dave Harper Jul 21, 2008
Illinois news brings back memories
Silver Eagle set in memory
By Dave Harper Aug 14, 2012
When taper referred to silver content
By Dave Harper Oct 9, 2013
When silver calls, boy do I feel young again
Numismatic News editor has found memories of silver's glorious past.
Memories enfold Kennedy halves
For many collectors, the Kennedy half dollar is permanently fixed in 1964 and the memories of 1963 and 1964 obscure all of the issues that followed. That understandable. For those who remember those years, they were troubled times.
Dateless nickels, timeless memory
When the $1 note was silver-backed
Many coin collectors still remember when silver coins disappeared from circulation following the implementation of the Coinage Act of 1965, but fewer remember the parallel disappearance of $1 Silver Certificates.