text:
Face it, social recruiting has taken our world by storm and isn't going anywhere.

Face it, social recruiting has taken our world by storm and isn't going anywhere. With everything that is at our disposal how do you navigate through each platform successfully? Let’s simplify and focus in on how we can achieve social success with a focus on Facebook, Twitter, and of course, LinkedIn.

Be Consistent (But Don't Be Annoying)

As a recruiter, you want to have a good mix of generated content and job posts. This will solidify you as someone with industry knowledge and not just a human job board. Make sure you are posting daily, but don’t over post! A generally accepted professional industry rule is called the “335” (three-three-five). This means 3 posts on Facebook, 3 posts on LinkedIn, and 5 posts on Twitter per day. This is just a guideline, and has exceptions just as any rule does, but try and stay true. Sound daunting? Look into using a scheduling platform like HootSuite or SproutSocial. These type of platforms are great for keeping you organized and consistent.

Be Engaging

You’ve got the content to post, now what's the best way to do it? Make sure that you are setting yourself and others up for engagement. Engagement percentage is what we most commonly look to for the success of a post. It is measured by the amount of people that actually interact with your post by either liking, clicking, or sharing. You can boost this by remembering simple things like including links or pictures, or “hash-tagging” keywords within your post making them available for search on said social platform (Facebook and Twitter).

The above will get people talking, so be prepared to talk back! Try your best to answer inquiries in real time and remember to keep the word “social” in social media in mind. Answer as a person, not a robot. Be mindful of how you do, but let your personality shine through too.

Be (or find) a Good Partner

No one knows better than you as a recruiter the importance of networking in life and business, and social recruiting is no different. Finding like people, industries and business to interact with on your social platforms is critical to this tools success. Make the first move by searching and liking relevant people, industries, topics and businesses. Engage with them by sharing, retweeting and commenting. Take the time to post/share your content in other groups and forums that meet your topic to get even more exposure.

We B(ee)-lieve that social recruiting success starts with you and excels when you use and harbor great relationships. Consider starting that relationship with ERP-Consulting. Jobs posted at ERP-Consuling.com are shared socially on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with proper link and targeting throughout each platform. They are optimized for engagement and monitored daily for top interactions. We foster a well-rounded partnership by encouraging cross interaction with each of your social initiatives as well.

Learn more at http://erp-consulting.com/site/about

Latest News:

Hot Jobs:

Featured ERP Employers:


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: text/html

WARC-Type: response

text:
7 thoughts on “Carvers at Work

  1. The activity was fun because we got to be creative and interesting with our work.
    I made a pizza because it’s one of italians popular food.

Leave a Reply to Kai (1/2KC) Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

warcinfo:
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2020-05
publisher: Common Crawl
description: Wide crawl of the web for January 2020
operator: Common Crawl Admin (info@commoncrawl.org)
hostname: ip-10-67-67-129.ec2.internal
software: Apache Nutch 1.16 (modified, https://github.com/commoncrawl/nutch/)
robots: checked via crawler-commons 1.1-SNAPSHOT (https://github.com/crawler-commons/crawler-commons)
format: WARC File Format 1.1
conformsTo: http://iipc.github.io/warc-specifications/specifications/warc-format/warc-1.1/


text:
Discover the most talked about and latest scientific content & concepts.

Concept: Calcium

To examine the evidence underpinning recommendations to increase calcium intake through dietary sources or calcium supplements to prevent fractures.

Concepts: Osteoporosis, Bone, Bone fracture, Fracture, Calcium

To determine whether increasing calcium intake from dietary sources affects bone mineral density (BMD) and, if so, whether the effects are similar to those of calcium supplements.

Concepts: Osteoporosis, Bone, Vitamin D, Apatite, Water, Magnesium, Calcium, Calcium carbonate

Carbonated hydroxyapatite is the mineral found in vertebrate bones and teeth, whereas invertebrates utilize calcium carbonate in their mineralized organs. In particular, stable amorphous calcium carbonate is found in many crustaceans. Here we report on an unusual, crystalline enamel-like apatite layer found in the mandibles of the arthropod Cherax quadricarinatus (freshwater crayfish). Despite their very different thermodynamic stabilities, amorphous calcium carbonate, amorphous calcium phosphate, calcite and fluorapatite coexist in well-defined functional layers in close proximity within the mandible. The softer amorphous minerals are found primarily in the bulk of the mandible whereas apatite, the harder and less soluble mineral, forms a wear-resistant, enamel-like coating of the molar tooth. Our findings suggest a unique case of convergent evolution, where similar functional challenges of mastication led to independent developments of structurally and mechanically similar, apatite-based layers in the teeth of genetically remote phyla: vertebrates and crustaceans.

Concepts: Arthropod, Calcium, Crustacean, Mineral, Calcium carbonate, Teeth, Crayfish, Aragonite

Vitamin D insufficiency in children may have long-term skeletal consequences as vitamin D affects calcium absorption, bone mineralization and bone mass attainment.

Concepts: Osteoporosis, Bone, Vitamin D, Bone density, Density, Skeletal system, Calcium, Dietary mineral

BACKGROUND: Until now the exact biochemical processes during healing of metaphyseal fractures of healthy and osteoporotic bone remain unclear. Especially the physiological time courses of 25(OH)D3 (Vitamin D) as well as PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) the most important modulators of calcium and bone homeostasis are not yet examined sufficiently. The purpose of this study was to focus on the time course of these parameters during fracture healing. METHODS: In the presented study, we analyse the time course of 25(OH)D3 and PTH during fracture healing of low BMD level fractures versus normal BMD level fractures in a matched pair analysis. Between March 2007 and February 2009 30 patients older than 50 years of age who had suffered a metaphyseal fracture of the proximal humerus, the distal radius or the proximal femur were included in our study. Osteoporosis was verified by DEXA measuring. The time courses of 25(OH)D3 and PTH were examined over an eight week period. Friedmann test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Withney U test were used as post-hoc tests. A p-value <= 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Serum levels of 25(OH)D3 showed no differences in both groups. In the first phase of fracture healing PTH levels in the low BMD level group remained below those of the normal BMD group in absolute figures. Over all no significant differences between low BMD level bone and normal BMD level bone could be detected in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The time course of 25(OH)D3 and PTH during fracture healing of patients with normal and low bone mineral density were examined for the first time in humans in this setting and allowing molecular biological insights into fracture healing in metaphyseal bones on a molecural level. There were no significant differences between patients with normal and low BMD levels. Hence further studies will be necessary to obtain more detailed insight into fracture healing in order to provide reliable decision criteria for therapy and the monitoring of fracture healing.

Concepts: Osteoporosis, Bone, Vitamin D, Calcitonin, Bone fracture, Parathyroid hormone, Calcium, Hyperparathyroidism

INTRODUCTION Dyscalcemia is associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. Therapy of heart failure (HF) may change serum calcium by reduction of urinary wasting or increased calcium apposition to bones.  OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to assess the prevalence of dyscalcemia in patients with newly up-titrated HF therapy, to explore clinical and laboratory determinants of abnormal serum calcium levels and to analyze the relation of dyscalcemia to prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 722 HF patients (age 53 ± 10 years, 13% female, NYHA class III-IV) naïve to HF drugs, we have assessed crude prevalence of serum dyscalcemia and adjusted risk of calcium abnormalities on top of recommended therapy and analysed the association of calcium abnormalities with mortality at 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS During therapy up-titration NYHA class improved in 66.7% patients, in 31.0% did not change and worsened in 2.4%. Hypocalcemia occurred in 166 (23.0%) patients and was more prevalent in patients who became less symptomatic on target HF therapy. ypercalcemia was diagnosed in 63 (8.7%) patients and predominated in those who did not respond to treatment. These findings were independent of kidney function, BMI, HF ethiology, thiazides use, age and sex. Hypercalcemia was associated with more catabolic profile, hemodynamic compromise, inflammation and lower bone mineral density. Lower albumin, higher serum phosphorus, were independently of kidney function significant predictors of hypercalcemia.  Hypocalcemia was associated with less catabolism, higher albumin, lower phosphorus, treatment of thiazides, smoking history. Neither hypocalcemia nor hypercalcemia affected prognosis.  CONCLUSIONS We concluded that serum dyscalcemia is related to response to HF therapy and HF severity on top of treatment. Mild hypocalcemia is associated with clinical improvement and does not worsen HF outcome. Hypercalcemia occurs more frequently in non-responders to therapy, its clinical significance requires further studies.

Concepts: Kidney, Bone, Vitamin D, Medical statistics, Calcium, Urinary system, Prevalence, Calcium metabolism

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency has reached high levels in the Saudi population, but there is conflicting evidence both in the Saudi population, and worldwide, regarding the existence of a correlation between these low vitamin D levels and reduced BMD (bone mineral density), or osteoporosis.

Concepts: Osteoporosis, Bone, Vitamin D, Calcitonin, Bone density, Calcium, Vitamins, ARIA Charts

A major protein component of cow’s milk is β-casein. The most frequent variants in dairy herds are A1 and A2. Recent studies showed that milk containing A1 β-casein promoted intestinal inflammation and exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the acute gastrointestinal effects of A1 β-casein have not been investigated. This study compared the gastrointestinal effects of milk containing A1 and A2 β-casein versus A2 β-casein alone in Chinese adults with self-reported lactose intolerance.

Concepts: Milk, Calcium, Cattle, Flatulence, Lactose intolerance, Lactase, Milk allergy, Soy milk

Low calcium intake may adversely affect bone health in adults. Recognizing the presence of low calcium intake is necessary to develop national strategies to optimize intake. To highlight regions where calcium intake should be improved, we systematically searched for the most representative national dietary calcium intake data in adults from the general population in all countries. We searched 13 electronic databases and requested data from domain experts. Studies were double-screened for eligibility. Data were extracted into a standard form. We developed an interactive global map, categorizing countries based on average calcium intake and summarized differences in intake based on sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Searches yielded 9780 abstracts. Across the 74 countries with data, average national dietary calcium intake ranges from 175 to 1233 mg/day. Many countries in Asia have average dietary calcium intake less than 500 mg/day. Countries in Africa and South America mostly have low calcium intake between about 400 and 700 mg/day. Only Northern European countries have national calcium intake greater than 1000 mg/day. Survey data for three quarters of available countries were not nationally representative. Average calcium intake is generally lower in women than men, but there are no clear patterns across countries regarding relative calcium intake by age, sex, or socioeconomic status. The global calcium map reveals that many countries have low average calcium intake. But recent, nationally representative data are mostly lacking. This review draws attention to regions where measures to increase calcium intake are likely to have skeletal benefits.

Concepts: Bone, Socioeconomic status, Calcium, Social status, Nation, Northern Europe, Nationality

Lifestyle choices influence 20-40 % of adult peak bone mass. Therefore, optimization of lifestyle factors known to influence peak bone mass and strength is an important strategy aimed at reducing risk of osteoporosis or low bone mass later in life. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has issued this scientific statement to provide evidence-based guidance and a national implementation strategy for the purpose of helping individuals achieve maximal peak bone mass early in life. In this scientific statement, we (1) report the results of an evidence-based review of the literature since 2000 on factors that influence achieving the full genetic potential for skeletal mass; (2) recommend lifestyle choices that promote maximal bone health throughout the lifespan; (3) outline a research agenda to address current gaps; and (4) identify implementation strategies. We conducted a systematic review of the role of individual nutrients, food patterns, special issues, contraceptives, and physical activity on bone mass and strength development in youth. An evidence grading system was applied to describe the strength of available evidence on these individual modifiable lifestyle factors that may (or may not) influence the development of peak bone mass (Table 1). A summary of the grades for each of these factors is given below. We describe the underpinning biology of these relationships as well as other factors for which a systematic review approach was not possible. Articles published since 2000, all of which followed the report by Heaney et al. [1] published in that year, were considered for this scientific statement. This current review is a systematic update of the previous review conducted by the National Osteoporosis Foundation [1]. Lifestyle Factor Grade Macronutrients  Fat D  Protein C Micronutrients  Calcium A  Vitamin D B  Micronutrients other than calcium and vitamin D D Food Patterns  Dairy B  Fiber C  Fruits and vegetables C  Detriment of cola and caffeinated beverages C Infant Nutrition  Duration of breastfeeding D  Breastfeeding versus formula feeding D  Enriched formula feeding D Adolescent Special Issues  Detriment of oral contraceptives D  Detriment of DMPA injections B  Detriment of alcohol D  Detriment of smoking C Physical Activity and Exercise  Effect on bone mass and density A  Effect on bone structural outcomes B Considering the evidence-based literature review, we recommend lifestyle choices that promote maximal bone health from childhood through young to late adolescence and outline a research agenda to address current gaps in knowledge. The best evidence (grade A) is available for positive effects of calcium intake and physical activity, especially during the late childhood and peripubertal years-a critical period for bone accretion. Good evidence is also available for a role of vitamin D and dairy consumption and a detriment of DMPA injections. However, more rigorous trial data on many other lifestyle choices are needed and this need is outlined in our research agenda. Implementation strategies for lifestyle modifications to promote development of peak bone mass and strength within one’s genetic potential require a multisectored (i.e., family, schools, healthcare systems) approach.

Concepts: Osteoporosis, Bone, Vitamin D, Nutrition, Systematic review, Calcium, Nutrient, Adolescence


text:
Discover the most talked about and latest scientific content & concepts.

Concept: Report

The PACE trial was a well-powered randomised trial designed to examine the efficacy of graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome. Reports concluded that both treatments were moderately effective, each leading to recovery in over a fifth of patients. However, the reported analyses did not consistently follow the procedures set out in the published protocol, and it is unclear whether the conclusions are fully justified by the evidence.

Concepts: Randomized controlled trial, Report, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Semitone

Most consider Twitter as a tool purely for social networking. However, it has been used extensively as a tool for online discussion at nonmedical and medical conferences, and the academic benefits of this tool have been reported. Most anesthetists still have yet to adopt this new educational tool. There is only one previously published report of the use of Twitter by anesthetists at an anesthetic conference. This paper extends that work.

Concepts: Report

Background The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) mandates timely reporting of results of applicable clinical trials to We characterized the proportion of applicable clinical trials with publicly available results and determined independent factors associated with the reporting of results. Methods Using an algorithm based on input from the National Library of Medicine, we identified trials that were likely to be subject to FDAAA provisions (highly likely applicable clinical trials, or HLACTs) from 2008 through 2013. We determined the proportion of HLACTs that reported results within the 12-month interval mandated by the FDAAA or at any time during the 5-year study period. We used regression models to examine characteristics associated with reporting at 12 months and throughout the 5-year study period. Results From all the trials at, we identified 13,327 HLACTs that were terminated or completed from January 1, 2008, through August 31, 2012. Of these trials, 77.4% were classified as drug trials. A total of 36.9% of the trials were phase 2 studies, and 23.4% were phase 3 studies; 65.6% were funded by industry. Only 13.4% of trials reported summary results within 12 months after trial completion, whereas 38.3% reported results at any time up to September 27, 2013. Timely reporting was independently associated with factors such as FDA oversight, a later trial phase, and industry funding. A sample review suggested that 45% of industry-funded trials were not required to report results, as compared with 6% of trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and 9% of trials that were funded by other government or academic institutions. Conclusions Despite ethical and legal obligations to disclose findings promptly, most HLACTs did not report results to in a timely fashion during the study period. Industry-funded trials adhered to legal obligations more often than did trials funded by the NIH or other government or academic institutions. (Funded by the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative and the NIH.).

Concepts: Pharmacology, Clinical trial, Informed consent,, Report, Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health

Abstract There has been only one reported case of neuromuscular scoliosis following chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). However, no cases of scoliosis that were treated with surgery secondary to CIDP have been previously described. A 16-year-old boy with CIDP was consultant due to the progression of scoliosis with the coronal curve of 86° from T8 to T12. Posterior correction and fusion with segmental pedicle screws were performed under intraoperative spinal cord monitoring with transcranial electric motor-evoked potentials. Although the latency period was prolonged and amplitude was low, the potential remained stable. Coronal curve was corrected from 86° to 34° without neurological complications. We here describe scoliosis associated with CIDP, which was successfully treated with surgery under intraoperative spinal cord monitoring.

Concepts: Medicine, Surgery, Report, Myelin, Case, Potential, Neurological disorders, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Shewanella spp. are saprophytic bacteria that are part of the marine microflora in warm climates and are rarely pathogenic. However, Shewanella spp. infections are being increasingly reported, and there has been no comprehensive review of the literature describing these infections. This article reports 16 cases of Shewanella spp. infections in Martinique since 1997 and reviews another 239 cases reported in the literature since 1973. Patients experienced soft tissue infections, ear infection, or abdominal and biliary tract infections. A skin or mucosal portal of entry was found for 53% of the patients and exposure to the marine environment was reported for 44%; 79% of patients had an underlying condition. Bacteriema were frequent (28%). Most (87%) patients recovered, although ear infections can become chronic. Death occurred in 13% of the patients. Most Shewanella spp. isolates are susceptible to cefotaxime (95%), piperacillin and tazobactam (98%), gentamicin (99%), and ciprofloxacin (94%).

Concepts: Immune system, Disease, Bacteria, Microbiology, Infection, Report, Otitis media, Detritivore

OBJECTIVE: /st>The aim of the study was to determine accreditation surveyors' and hospitals' use and perceived usefulness of clinical indicator reports and the potential to establish the control relationship between the accreditation and reporting systems. The control relationship refers to instructional directives, arising from appropriately designed methods and efforts towards using clinical indicators, which provide a directed moderating, balancing and best outcome for the connected systems. DESIGN: /st>Web-based questionnaire survey. SETTING: /st>Australian Council on Healthcare Standards' (ACHS) accreditation and clinical indicator programmes. RESULTS: /st>Seventy-three of 306 surveyors responded. Half used the reports always/most of the time. Five key messages were revealed: (i) report use was related to availability before on-site investigation; (ii) report use was associated with the use of non-ACHS reports; (iii) a clinical indicator set’s perceived usefulness was associated with its reporting volume across hospitals; (iv) simpler measures and visual summaries in reports were rated the most useful; (v) reports were deemed to be suitable for the quality and safety objectives of the key groups of interested parties (hospitals' senior executive and management officers, clinicians, quality managers and surveyors). CONCLUSIONS: /st>Implementing the control relationship between the reporting and accreditation systems is a promising expectation. Redesigning processes to ensure reports are available in pre-survey packages and refined education of surveyors and hospitals on how to better utilize the reports will support the relationship. Additional studies on the systems' theory-based model of the accreditation and reporting system are warranted to establish the control relationship, building integrated system-wide relationships with sustainable and improved outcomes.

Concepts: Game theory, Better, Report, Management, Utility, Trent Accreditation Scheme

This review reports details on the natural products isolated from Taiwan soft corals during the period 2008-2012 focusing on their in vitro and/or in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. Chemical structures, names, and literature references are also reported. This review provides useful and specific information on potent anti-inflammatory marine metabolites for future development of immune-modulatory therapeutics.

Concepts: In vivo, Report, In vitro fertilisation, In vitro, Nature

Several complications have been reported regarding the percutaneous closure of secondary atrial septal defects such as erosion, thromboembolic events, arrhythmias, and endocarditis. In this report, we describe the case of a 75-year-old woman who underwent percutaneous closure of a secondary atrial septal defect with a 12 mm Amplatzer septal occluder. Six months after the uneventful implantation of the device, we manifested an asymptomatic late embolization of the device in the abdominal aorta. The device was surgically retrieved.

Concepts: Surgery, Report, Abdominal aorta, Crystallographic defect, Ventricular septal defect, Atrial septal defect, Levo-Transposition of the great arteries, Cardiac shunt

Little is known about the climate of the scientific fieldwork setting as it relates to gendered experiences, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We conducted an internet-based survey of field scientists (N = 666) to characterize these experiences. Codes of conduct and sexual harassment policies were not regularly encountered by respondents, while harassment and assault were commonly experienced by respondents during trainee career stages. Women trainees were the primary targets; their perpetrators were predominantly senior to them professionally within the research team. Male trainees were more often targeted by their peers at the research site. Few respondents were aware of mechanisms to report incidents; most who did report were unsatisfied with the outcome. These findings suggest that policies emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and collegiality have the potential to improve field experiences of a diversity of researchers, especially during early career stages. These include better awareness of mechanisms for direct and oblique reporting of harassment and assault and, the implementation of productive response mechanisms when such behaviors are reported. Principal investigators are particularly well positioned to influence workplace culture at their field sites.

Concepts: Report, Research, Profession, Training, Experience, Knowledge, Gender studies, Sexism

Clinical research should ultimately improve patient care. For this to be possible, trials must evaluate outcomes that genuinely reflect real-world settings and concerns. However, many trials continue to measure and report outcomes that fall short of this clear requirement. We highlight problems with trial outcomes that make evidence difficult or impossible to interpret and that undermine the translation of research into practice and policy. These complex issues include the use of surrogate, composite and subjective endpoints; a failure to take account of patients' perspectives when designing research outcomes; publication and other outcome reporting biases, including the under-reporting of adverse events; the reporting of relative measures at the expense of more informative absolute outcomes; misleading reporting; multiplicity of outcomes; and a lack of core outcome sets. Trial outcomes can be developed with patients in mind, however, and can be reported completely, transparently and competently. Clinicians, patients, researchers and those who pay for health services are entitled to demand reliable evidence demonstrating whether interventions improve patient-relevant clinical outcomes.

Concepts: Health care, Health care provider, Clinical trial, Patient, Hospital, Medical statistics, Report, Clinical research


text:
What’s My Story: Zoologist

Roland Kays started studying animals in a physics class. He thought he wanted to work in a genetic engineering lab but thought better of it when he saw a film about a zoologist peering into prairie dog mounds looking for burrowing owls. He switched his major to zoology and fell in love with mammals. Today, he keeps tabs on thousands of mammals in their natural habitats with the aid of new technology and citizen volunteers at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.


text:
Friday, 2 January 2009

Foreigner by C J Cherryh

A lost colony ship, a desperate landfall on an unknown planet, and an intelligent native humanoid race with very different mental processes. These are the key elements of Cherryh's 1994 novel, the start of a series running to nine volumes so far (with more to come). I read a lot of Cherryh's books in the 1970s and liked them enough to keep them to re-read sometime, but I have neglected her work since then so I turned to Foreigner with interest.

The scene is set in couple of introductory chapters centuries apart; the initial catastrophic journey which caused the starship to become lost, and the first contact after planetfall between the human settlers and the natives (the atevi). The rest of the story is set six generations later, after a human-atevi war which had led to an accommodation being reached; the humans were allowed sole occupancy of a large island in return for gradually introducing their advanced technology to the atevi. Only one human was allowed off the island, the paidhi, who lived with the atevi in order to monitor and understand them while relaying technical knowledge as they were ready for it. The story focuses on one paidhi, Bren Cameron, at a time of crisis between the races.

The atevi are bigger, stronger and faster than humans, and had already reached the steam age at the time of the landing. Now they have aircraft and computer networks. Their similarity to humans had led to dangerous misunderstandings in the past, because their thought processes are decidedly different. They have no concept of friendship; they are bound to leaders or associations by a loyalty code which determines their actions. They have no word for trust, but fourteen for betrayal, and their standard way of resolving disputes is by an officially-sanctioned assassination system. It is a minefield for a human to work in, and the paidhi has to be very good to succeed.

Bren Cameron thought he had established a good relationship with the atevi leader but finds himself apparently betrayed, the target of rival associations who are opposed to the human presence. He needs all of his diplomatic abilities to survive as the situation rapidly slides out of control.

Cherryh is good at portraying the alienness of other races. The atevi are more than funny-looking humans, although perhaps not a lot more different from ourselves than were, say, medieval Japanese. As a result, Bren Cameron struggles to understand the nature of the relationship he has with the two atevi bodyguards on whom he has to rely. The author's story-telling skills drew me in and held my attention throughout. She is rather indulgent in allowing her hero long periods of introspection, with pages at a time filled with nothing but his thoughts, but despite this I found Foreigner absorbing and was sorry when it finished – a rare feeling for me these days. Whether I want to invest the time to plough through another eight volumes (and counting) I'm not so sure, but I might well try the next one and see how it goes.
I notice that a couple more reviews of my alternate World War 2 novel The Foresight War have appeared on Amazon: one each on the UK and USA sites. I was wryly amused to see that one reviewer awarded it 1/5 and the other 5/5. Some contrasting excerpts:

"Good idea, but characters are one dimensional, too much detail on weapons sizes/capability etc. not enough tension created."

"What I liked about this was it didn't get too focused on personalities, love interests, or that sort of thing. Also, it was almost non-stop action. If you like Tom Clancy's novels - the ones where the Russians invade the West, for example - you'd love this. It's really 'techy'."

Which just demonstrates, yet again, that book reviews are decidedly personal, and can say as much about the reviewer as they do about the story.

I have rewritten my introduction to the book as well as updating the list of reviews (good and bad) HERE, where you can also read the first two chapters on-line.

Fred said...

"She is rather indulgent in allowing her hero long periods of introspection, with pages at a time filled with nothing but his thoughts.."

I find that this is typical of Cherryh's work, especially when her main character is alone among an alien race.

What I admire most about her work is the careful building up of an alien culture. I think there are few who can match her. Her "Chanur" series fascinated me, and I think I read all of them.

A second characteristic is her ability to build tension in her stories--sometimes excessively so. I sometimes find myself exhausted after reading one of her works--again, especially the Chanur series.

Anthony G Williams said...

I'll have to try the Chanur series: the ones I have are the Morgaine and Faded Sun series, plus some individual ones.

Bill Garthright said...

Tony, I'd certainly recommend the Chanur series. The first, "The Pride of Chanur," is a quick read, with none of those "long periods of introspection." The trilogy that follows basically tells the same story, but expanded (more details about the various aliens and their interactions). I really think it's a masterpiece.

I love the Foreigner series, too, but I think it's gone on too long. It seems to me that she's stopped having new things to say. Well, that's my typical complaint about long-running series (another example is her Fortress fantasy series, which should have ended at four).

Fred said...

I agree. I think Cherryh was far more creative and inventive in her early days.

_Wave Without a Shore_ and _Port Eternity_ are much more interesting than the xteenth volume in her later series.

Fred said...

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Morgaine" series--an excellent mesh of Sword and High Tech tales.

Her fantasy works about the Sidhe, _The Tree of Swords and Jewels_ and _The Dreamstone_ were also interesting variations on the usual portrayals.

Bill Garthright said...

Fred, I'm not sure that it's a matter of being more creative and inventive earlier. I think it's more the effect of continuing for too long with established series (and there must be strong economic pressures to do that).

Meanwhile, I might mention another of her earlier books. "Voyager in Night" (1984) is an incredible book. I don't think it ever got as much attention as it deserved.

Fred said...

You may be right about the "economic pressures," but the really experimental stuff disappears when the series get going and this is true for many writers.

Why can't Cherryh do a standalone once in awhile, between the series? Is it possible they lose that imaginative streak if they don't exercise it regularly?

_Voyager in the Night_--that was one I was trying to think of but couldn't come up with the title. That also was a very good work, even though it was set in the Merchanter universe, if I remember correctly. I think you're the only other person who has mentioned that one to me.

Anthony G Williams said...

Bill, how many books of the Foreigner series do you think are worth reading?

The stand-alone books I have by her are Hunter of Worlds (1977), Angel with the Sword (1985) and Paladin (1988). The last two are not SF, but are fantasies (without magic) set within alternate Earth histories. Both memorable.

Bill Garthright said...

Tony, keep in mind that I like series, when I care about the characters, because I want to see what happens to them. So I may read them, and enjoy them, despite thinking that the author should have moved on.

In this case, there are three trilogies in the Foreigner series (or pretty much one long story). It wasn't until the start of the third trilogy, the seventh book, that I began to wonder why she was continuing. But then, I thought the eighth book was just great. The ninth book didn't add anything to the story, and it felt more like a middle book than the conclusion, so I'm worried there are still more to come.

But I can wholeheartedly recommend the first six, anyway. But your mileage may vary.


text:
Chicory may help reduce memory loss associated with Alzheimer's

In a new research report published online in The FASEB Journal, scientists used mice to show that chicoric acid, a component of chicory, may help reduce memory impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease, and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases.

"Chicoric acid, a nutraceutical component of chicory, also exists extensively in Echinacea purpurea, lettuce, dandelion, and other edible plants and vegetables," said Xuebo Liu, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work at the College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, in Yangling, China. "Chicoric acid mitigated lipopolysaccharide-induced amyloidogenesis and memory impairment via inhibiting NFκB signal pathway, suggesting that chicoric acid supplementation might be a plausible therapeutic intervention for neuroinflammation-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease."

To reach their conclusions, Liu and colleagues used three groups of mice: a control group, a group that received lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and another group that received both LPS and chicoric acid (CA). Learning and memory capabilities were evaluated using two separate behavioral tests (Y-maze and Morris water maze) four hours after LPS injection. They found that the LPS-treated mice took a longer time to find the platform compared to the control group, whereas supplementation with CA significantly decreased the escape latency. Next, the hidden platform was removed to perform a probe trial. Compared with the control group, the mice stimulated by LPS swam across the entire pool and spent less time in the target quadrant, with a lower number of platform crossings. The mice treated with CA plus LPS exhibited a significant increase in the average time spent in the target quadrant, with more crossings of the platform.

"These are provocative findings, but with the caveat that the LPS regime is not likely a model of long-term memory impairment," said Thoru Pederson, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "But the possibility remains that chicoric acid could prove to be a beneficial human nutraceutical for overall memory acuity."


WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: application/xhtml+xml

text:
Crafty Sanity While in Thailand

I miss my craft room and all the tools that goes with it. I'm not in the mood for any digital scrapping due to heat .... the beach ... the shopping .... and the food. In fact, I have no lust to update any of my sites like the usual way or chat with friends around the globe coz most of the time my little boy just wants to go out swimming so starting anything will totally be distracted anyway.

For emergency purposes, I packed a small cross-stitch project. I have been staring at it since we arrived at Phuket last Feb 7 and silently laughing at myself for bringing it with us. I have long give up CS for a decade due to painful memories that it brings. Well, I guess plunging into it once again will do no harm. When I say small project it's really small. I don't want to push myself creating a big one for a start ... again.

When days are really hot and Joseph is into watching films, I sit beside him and do cross-stitch. From time to time I need a breather coz tears would build up and I don't want my son to see my tears. If he does I know he will ask why and that's the part I'm trying to avoid. Explaining to him why will take a long time and I don't want him be affected by my memories.

Anyway, this day I'm so pissed off coz I did not bring some DMC threads and of course without those threads how can I ever finish my project. DMC thread is not available here coz I have searched around but maybe or should I say I bet in Bangkok they have. Going to bangkok is out of the subject coz i have to take a plane - 7am flight and have to be at the airport bt 5am! Taking the train alone all the way to bangkok will drive hubby nuts so all I can do is re-pack the project and hide.

What to do next? Well, finally I was able to buy the 4th book of Stephenie Meyers The Twilight Saga - "Breaking Dawn". Geez!, I so love Eclispe and Breaking Dawn. I have the habit of being transported to the books story and literally feel .. see ... taste what's being said. I guess I have a big crush on Edward hahahahahahahahahha. The truth is now I want to be a vampire only if I'm with the Cullen's especially Edward - maybe I can be Bella hahahahahahahahaha.

All books have been read and that reminds me of going back to Jungceylon down Patong and buy new books to read. That can wait coz tonight I will be cooking Thai food and Tum, a Thai woman who permanently resides here at Kalimbay will show me how. Yes, I know how to cook and would humbly say that a lot of people go over gaga with my meals but I want to see how Thai women cook meals upclose and personal.

We rode her motorcycle and went to the market for all the ingredients needed. In front of the market is an open shopping arcade and once again I was magnetized hahahahahaha. Both few clothes to my liking then off we went to the market.

We bought fish ... veggies ... shrimps .... shiitake mushroom ... spices =)

Dinner was served beside the pool, naturally. Our guests were coupe from Holland, Norway, us from Sweden, and of course Thailand.

Preparing the dinner was so easy coz just like my mom's cooking vegetables shouldn't be well cooked .... add Thai spices which by the way bought a lot to take home in sweden. We served shrimp soup ... steamed fish in lemon grass ... veggie with mushroom and cashew .... baked duck =)

What a lovely day and night!

A Painter ... An Elephant !

For Joseph's sake, we all went to Phuket Zoo with new friends.

We all gained new friends in Thailand and the family is a permanent resident at Kalimbay Residence, where we are renting an apartment. They live at the 2nd floor of the first building while we're staying at the ground floor very near the pool ... overlooking actually. The woman is from Thailand and the husband is from Norway so in a way speaking swedish is ok. They have 2 sons and both are now good friends of Joseph.

Much to our surpirse they invited us to go with them at Phuket Zoo so the kids can have a fun day all together. By 10am, we left and arrived at our destination after 45 minutes. First we went around ... met few elephants ... fed the elephants .... watched the elephant show then the monkey show then the last part is watching the crocodile show.

I'm here to share with you all about the elephant show. Mercedez is a big elephant and she is the oldest among the group of performers. Aside from playing musical instruments .... dancing ... amusing us the audience ... play football ... massaging a guest .... etc, etc, etc, she is a crafter!!!! Or should I say a painter!!!!

Geez!, watching her paint made time stood still. I fell in love with her painting that after she was done it was shown to the public and announced that it's for sale.

Mercedez was very thankful that she kissed me twice. After the first kiss, I started to walk but she grabbed me and kissed me really hard and wet. I was helpless coz with her beautiful eyes plus strong trunk all I can do is stand in awe =D Don't ask about the kiss coz it's really wet and with loud sounds plus the smell hahahahahahahhahaha. Hubby says his kisses from now on will never match the elephant kisses i got. In a way hubby is worried hahahahahahahahahahahah but I assured him that his kisses will always bring electricity in my body (wink, wink) hahahahahahahaha.

Issue # 2, 2010 - TDS Lifetsyle : Wine Bottle Topper

Late post again :( For the 2nd issue of TDS LIfetyle, 2010, I shared my own Bailey's Recipe. It was a big hit last Christmas and earned money by selling. I know a lot of people love the taste of Bailey's and I know how costly it can be. After few trial and error I was able to obtain the texture, taste, and smoothness of Bailye's. You may find my recipe here : http://www.thedailyscrapper.com/2010/02Feb045/cooking_article1_1.html

Aside from sharing my recipe, I created 2 designs for wine bottle topper. It's perfect when planning to give wine or your homemade drink like my Bailey's.

See my creations here: http://www.thedailyscrapper.com/2010/02Feb045/Hybrid1.html

My Latest Toys : MS Punchers (Assorted)

I'm sssssssssooooooooooo happy to have additional punchers by Martha Stewarts and I will forever be grateful to a fellow crafter who is also a very very dear friend of mine for these punchers.

Cool to have these new toys. Some of it I was able to use when I was making the Mickey Mouse Project.

I. Punch Around the Edge - good for framing but can also be used as an edge border.

II. Deep Edge Punch - very useful for thick cardstocks plus it's super cute to use in adding accent on every handmade paper cupcake holders.

III. Edge Punch - so lovely to see together with my other punchers.

Make The Cut !

Geez! I'm speechless!!!!
Check this out fellow crafters coz this is one hell of a software device that I dream to have. Will check out reviews from time to time before I make my final move hehehehehehe =D I do have a SCAL since last year but this new software seems like yummy! Based on what I read it made it's debut last December before Christmas.

It’s a software compatible to Cricut that is very similar to Sure Cuts a Lot, only from what I can tell so far, it’s been even easier to use and gives you a lot more functionality.

Imagine It. Create It. Cut It. It's That Simple. Make The Cut! allows you to easily cut virtually any shape you can imagine (including TrueType Fonts) using your Cricut™ machine without needing to purchase expensive cartridges. With its easy-to-learn interface, the possibilities are endless. Go unleash the true power of your Cricut™!

Make The Cut! Features:

* WYSIWYG Interface [image]
* Works with the Cricut™ Expression™, Create™ and Personal™
* Automated Cricut™ Driver Installation [image]
* Preview/Use Any SVG [image]
* Integrated SVG Gallery (Currently over 1000 free projects!)
* Work on Multiple Projects at a Time
* Choose From 3 Standard Mat Sizes [image]
* Use Any Installed Font or Import TTF Files [image]
* Convert Raster Images to SVG Format [example]
* Easily Create Lattices [image]
* Break/Split/Layer Shapes and Edit Them [image]
* Weld/Join Shapes Together [image]
* Create custom background shadows from any shape [image]
* Export Shapes to SVG Format or Personal Library
* Cut, Copy and Paste Shapes Between Projects
* And Much, Much More!

Here's a video to have an idea =)

Mickey Mouse Birthday Name Tags

Project : Name tags for all the kids attending.

One of the essentials in holding a kiddie birthday party is to provide name tags for all the kids. It somehow make it easier to know and call everyone heheheeheehe.

Once again I used my Mickey Font Cartridge to cut the ticket shape as base. Then cut and emboss the heads using Sizzix Die and Emboss folder of Mickey Mouse. Distressing the edges made a big difference on how the name tags will look like. I stamped the word ADMIT One using Just Rite Brayton Font then the ordinary date stamper being used in offices. Before embossing the die cuts, I swiped a white ink pad by CTMH. Added red, yellow, and black ribbons at the last part instead of blank brooches. Got worried that kids will get hurt by pins.

Since I don't know the names of the kids that will be attending, I will provide for an acid-free pen so that my DSIL can just write the names of the kids. But of course Ryan, my nephew is all set and ready to be worn. I just used acid free alphabet sticker to put his name.

Mickey Mouse Birthday Photo Invitation(s)

Project : First birthday invitation for my nephew Ryan

DSIL and DB prefers photo type of invitation to be sent to all guests. This I took with all my heart coz it's very easy to make than the traditional way. They told me they bought a new color printer so there will be no problem for them to print all the invitations they needed.

I personally like the bluish-greenish Mickey invitation than the red one. I just created 2 designs for them to choose. Got very very happy when they chose what I like most. With The Mouse in The House digital kit by Brittney of Britt-ish Designs plus my scrapbook software, I was able to design the invitation.

Mickey Mouse CD Labels

Project: One of the give-a-ways aside from coloring books, crayons, candies, et al, is a Mickey Mouse Classic Soundtrack to all the kids at the party.

I personally suggested and agreed upon by my DSIL and DB to give CD of Mickey Mouse Club Classic Soundtrack. Creating the CD labels were kind'a easy coz I used Mouse In The House Digital Kit by Brittney of Britt-ish Designs. It's a simple CD cover .... no fuzz!

The CD itself is now up to my DB and DSIL hehehehehehehehehe =D

Mickey Mouse Mini Topiary

Project : Each guest table will have a Mickey Mouse accent.

What I had in mind was to create a Mickey Mouse guest table number but along the way it turned out to be a mini table topiary which is my son's favorite =)

Styro Balls (but the sturdy ones)
Black Acrylic Paint
Ice Cream sticks
Red and Yellow ribbons

Add Ons:

MS Lattice Heart Deep Edge Punch
checkered ribbon

1. Adhere the balls on the ice cream sticks
2. Paint the balls in black and let dry.
3. Add the small balls using glue gun.
4. Paint the small balls and let dry.
5. Add ribbons just below the big balls.
6. Find a mini wine glass and add crystals so each stick can stand on its own.

Mickey Mouse Jumbo Figures

Project : Mickey Mouse jumbo figures that can be adhered on a wall at the venue.

To be honest I had my Cricut Expressions since January 2009 and it was only 2x that I tried it only for few minutes. The bug was too much for me to explore that time but with my nephew's 1st birthday, I had no choice but to use it since he has a Mickey Mouse Party Theme.

Bhoy of bhoy! I surely had a blast!!!!!! I would say my machine is my lover in disguise hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Every touch and every cut is awesome or shoud I say magical hehehehehehe.

Since Ryan really likes Mickey Mouse, I chose to cut all the Mickey Figures I find cute plus extras at Mickey and Friends Cricut Cartrdige. I maximized the 12 x 12 cardstocks so it will turn out big =)

Here are the cuts I made:

Mickey Mouse Coloring Books

Project : Part of birthday give-a-ways will be a 4 x 6 Mickey Coloring Book

A birthday party will always have give-a-ways and loot bags especially kiddie parties. With all the black and white that can be found at internet for free, I had a hard time chossing which ones to grab. Luckily, a fellow crafter, Claire and Gomitras, gave me lots of B n W photos of Mickey in action. All I had to do was select the best and the cutest with the help of my 6 year old son.

I printed the best 8 in 30 pcs then created a simple cover. My DSIL will look for crayons in small packs that will be added in the loot bag. After printing, I binded each using the normal office binder by Peach. I had not much bind-it-all ring binder but had tons of office ring binder.

Hopefully, guests will have a quiet moment while all the kids are busy coloring Mickey =)

Mickey Mouse Guestbook

Project: A handmade book where guests can write their hopes and wishes for my nephew Ryan

At first I was planning to create a big photo adhered in artists board then a craft photo border and around the border guests can write anything but I ended up creating a mini guestbook where all the guests can write hopes and wishes.

Colored Mickey Mouse figures which I got free at internet
Distress pads
Xyron Sticker Maker
Red, Black, and Yellow Ribbons
Charms from CCHobby
DCWV cardstocks
Plain colored cardstocks
EK Success Edge Puncher
Clear Stamps by Fiskar and other brands
Argyle Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Sunburst Puncher (unbranded)
Polka Dor brad by Panduro
Bind It-All

Mickey Mouse Cupcake Toppers

Project: Toppers for the cupcakes

One of my phone conversations with my DSIL, she mentioned that she might order cupcakes aside from the Mickey Mouse birthday cake. I told her that if she will order I will definitely make toppers. Oh how she immediately said YES =D

I bought Sizzix Mickey Mouse Die & Emboss folder and created colorful cupcake toppers. I decided to use swiss dots cuttlebug embossing folder, too, since Mickey is known for polka dots due to Minnie Mouse.

Mickey Mouse Buffet Table Mini Accent

Project : Mickey Mouse Mini Birthday Hats as Buffet Table Accent

I was actually planning to create a birthday hat but it turned out that my printer can only hold A4 size as maximum :( I found the template at .... geez!, can't find it anymore :( Will try to find it later instead.

Instead of throwing out the printed hats in the size of 5 x 7 inches, I decided to add stickles and assemble each. I believe it would add pizzazz at the buffet table.

Mickey Mouse Birthday Banner

Project: Mickey Mouse Birthday banner for my nephew Ryan

The very first thing I created when I got hold of the Mickey Mouse and Friends Cartridge which was lent to me by a fellow crafter, I immediately played in creating a Mickey Mouse birthday banner. I had no idea how the bug works but along the way I got comfortable with it.

I have informed my DSIL that it's up to her on how she will arrange the banner since I have no idea how the place looks like. I also warned her to use the right adhesive so that no blemish will be left on the venue wall.

The Daily Scrapper (TDS) : Issue # 1

The very first time I got an exposure ... meaning published as guest designer was at The Daily Scrapper (TDS). The owner featured my altered clock creations summer of 2008 which by the way you can find here.
The newspaper type crafting pages were awesome. Then come June of 2009, the owner, Alice Koh invited me to be part of the Hybrid Team which made me so happy after blushing for so many days. In my mind I was wondering if I can do it ... or if I'm ready for such adventure in crafting world. Yup! I accepted the offer and start of July 2009, I was creating 2x a month for TDS.

The Daily Scrapper is now called TDS Lifestyle. I would say the new look vis-a-vis new concept is tremendoulsy awesome. Actually I can't find the right words to describe it so I suggest you all take a look and browse the e-magazine. Starting this year TDS will come once every month as compared to last year 2x a month.

For the first salvo of 2010, I did not create any hybrid project for TDS Lifestyle but was tasked to write an article on "Lucky Foods". The owner knows that I do catering from time to time and how I love to experiment on food (Lol). Here's the article I wrote :

Issue #23 The Daily Scrapper : 3D Elves Village

Geez! I had no idea that I was not able to post my project for The Daily Scrapper last December 2009 :( I was literally busy in my craft room creating holiday orders plus my party catering business.

Anyway, for the last issue of TDS year 2009, I created a 3D Elves Village. Way back in college when all my friends were mostly taking architecture and interior design, I am always amazed on how they build miniature 3D buildings. Being the only fine arts (advertising) among the group, I would watch them create up to wee hours in the morning just to beat the deadline of submission. I promised myself that someday when the right time comes I will try to create my own and of course this Christmas is indeed the perfect time for me. With Suzy Iverson (aka SuzyQ Scraps) Jolly Holiday Digital Kit, it completed the idea and design brewing in my mind.

My 6 year old son helped me assemble the village and how he enjoyed bulidng lego mini cars for the elves and adding trees around the village.

Here's a sneak peak of what I created:

To see the details and more pictures click this :

Colors and Wonders of Mickey Mouse

Who doesn't love Mickey? I know no one. One way or another Mickey Mouse has touched the many lives and I'm one of them. He is my favorite character of all time. According to Wikipedia, Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character who has become an icon for The Walt Disney Company. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks[1] and voiced by Walt Disney.

I remember growing up seeing Mickey Mouse items anywhere and I bought very few but never collected. I wonder where my toys are now :( I guess Sanrio items dominated my collection especially Hello Kitty.

At the start of this year, my DSIL told me that she is torn between Handy Manny or Mickey Mouse for her son's first birthday party. Both characters are a big fave of my nephew. She asked me which is better. I did not answer her immediately coz I opted of searching Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse here in Sweden. Too bad that Handy Manny is not popular here so definitely he is out. I informed my DSIL that Mickey Mouse would be better coz I have in a way tools and materials to work on it plus there are tons of images that can be found at internet.

Upon agreement I immediately started conceptualizing with all the things she'll be needing for my nephew's party. I even asked help from my circle of crfaty friends around the globe. I was so touched that they kind'a helped with this endeavor. Digital Kits, images, and ideas poured in plus the best part of all is a dear fellow crafter from Denmark mailed her Mickey and Friends Cricut Cartridge coz the one I have is the Mickey and Alphabet cartridge.

For the half month of January until yesterday 12nn, I was able to accomplish the Mickey Mouse Birthdy Theme Project for my nephew. Since we will be leaving for Thailand this Saturday, all handmade items should be mailed today or the latest will be Friday. DMIL called and she asked me to wait a bit coz she ordered a Mickey Mouse big toy for my nephew. We agreed that if the toy does not arrive until Friday evening, I have to mail the package Saturday before noon since our flight will be in the afternoon.

Creating the Mickey Mouse by using my Cricut Expression was a total blast. I had my bug January 2009 and it's only now that I was able to use ... understand ... and enjoy the machine. Thanks to Mickey Mouse (lol) =D

Along the way I had few problems like running out of black .. red ... and yellow cardstocks that I have no choice but to go and find in some arts and crafts stores around. Then there were days when I had no more stock of glue runner and once again had to go and buy. Whew!

I'm so glad I made all the party essentials for my nephew's 1st birthday. If only we can be at the celebration but that will be impossible coz it's birthday falls on the day we will be arriving from our winter escape.
Back to Top


text:
Book Description

As The Crow Flies

Category : Philosophy
Book Title : As The Crow Flies
Author : Jeffrey Archer
Publication : St. Martin's Paperbacks
Primary Language : English

When Charlie Trumper inherits his grandfather's fruit and vegetable barrow, he inherits as well his enterprising spirit, which gives Charlie the drive to lift himself out of the poverty of Whitechapel, in London's East End. Success, however, does not come easily or quickly, particularly when World War I sends Charlie into combat and into an ongoing struggle with a vengeful

Post Your Review

Recent Reviews

No Reviews

Other Recent Books on Philosophy

Recent Books


text:
Tag Archive: videography

landing ship tank lst lsm lct

Landing Ship Tank (LST) Video – Subic Bay A nice video taken on the Landing Ship Tank, by a friend Mathew Payne when he was visiting and diving in Subic Bay. Landing Ship, Tank (LST) was the military designation for naval vessels designed during World War II to support amphibious and landing operations.   They were […]


text:
 Seapegasus Blog » Procedural Mesh Tutorial

Procedural Mesh Tutorial

Posted by admin on May 26th, 2019 filed in Development, Games

If you’re a hobbyist game developer, you surely have looked into https://store.unity.com/. The Personal edition is free if you make little or no money from selling games. You are only expected to upgrade to the $25-monthly subscription after you earn $100k-200k per year. That’s a very fair deal that gives any hobbyist a chance to become proficient in the tool without investing a lot of money up front.

Now I’m watching this extremely well done tutorial by Board To Bits Games on procedural mesh generation. Basically, instead of creating 3D objects in an editor (such as Blender), I want to write a script that generates custom objects out of triangles.

Procedural generation only makes sense for creating objects that are simple or follow math functions, of course, you typically wouldn’t use it for naturalistic/artistic content. What I like about procedural generation is that it is similar to natural language generation — there is syntax and semantics in how characters, cities, vehicles, etc. are composed in meaningful ways. :-)

Here my notes from watching the tutorial:

Unity uses C Sharp, and the basics are easy to pick up for people who know Java. Also Visual Studio gives helpful hints if you, say, capitalise a method wrong.

The C# data types needed to create custom meshes

Vector3[] vertices
Vertices define where the corner points of the shape are in 3D (but not the order in which they are connected). Numbered by index. Reusable.
int[] triangles
A list of vertex indices in the order so they form triangles. Triangle corners are read in groups of three. We define the order clockwise, that’s important because it implicitly defines the triangle’s frontside (which is used by the backface-culling optimisation).

Creating the GameObject in Unity

In Unity, create a new scene, with a camera, directional light, and GameObject.
In the Scene Hierarchy, select the GameObject (we can rename it). Then in the Inspector:

  1. Add component “mesh filter” to GameObject. Holds an instance of (built-in) Mesh class which defines the shape.
  2. Add component “mesh renderer”. Renderer uses info in the Filter to draw the surface of the mesh object on the screen.
    Open the Material property and click the Element selector to select any material (for testing).
  3. Add “new script” in C Sharp. That’s because we don’t want to fill the mesh with statically loaded data, we want to fill it procedurally = script.

Writing the script in Visual Studio

Next we open the (default generated) script in VS.

  1. In the script header, we want to ensure that our mesh script can only be added to a suitable object:
    [RequireComponent (typeof(MeshFilter))]
  2. In the class, add private variables to hold the mesh, its triangles and its vertex data.
  3. Create a void function that initialises the data — this is where the custom proc gen code goes. (For testing, you can of course use static values.)
  4. Create a void function that loads the custom mesh data into this Unity GameObject. Since we added the MeshFilter Component to this GameObject, we can do that.

Here’s the code sample with static mesh generation — it generates one triangle.

using System;
using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using UnityEngine;

public class ProcGenMesh : MonoBehaviour
    Mesh mesh;
    Vector3[] vertices;
    int[] triangles;

    // ------ custom methods -------

    // 1) I procedurally generate custom shape data.
    private void GenerateMeshData()
        // generate vertices here
        vertices = new Vector3[] { new Vector3(0, 0, 0), new Vector3(0, 0, 1), new Vector3(1, 0, 0) };

        // generate triangle indices here
        triangles = new int[] { 0,1,2 };

    // 2) reset myself and load the generated shape data.
    private void LoadMeshData()
        mesh.Clear(); // reset
        mesh.vertices = vertices;
        mesh.triangles = triangles;

    // ------ built-in methods -------

    void Awake() // 1) I init myself as a mesh
        mesh = GetComponent().mesh;

    void Start() // 2) I generate and load my mesh content

    void Update(){} // 3) I run my main update loop, once per frame -- not used yet.

Comments are closed.


text:
01388 776 543
07946 640 726

Expand your results

Supporting people withHearing impairmentRemove
When is childcare available?After schoolRemoveOvernight careRemove

Narrow your results (filtering)

Area covered:
When is childcare available?
Powered by Open Objects


text:
Dear AAPC Colleagues,

I am delighted to tell you that the guidelines for the MAP grants (Mission Advance Program) have been revised to expedite and financially support the current transitions occurring in AAPC.

The revision process has taken several months of review, dialogue, consultation, and editing.  The changes have been worked through by the Finance Committee, consulting with original donors and creators of MAP as well as regional chairs, meeting with AAPC’s attorney to make sure we are making changes that are in keeping with the original purpose of the MAP endowment, and with final approval by the Board of Directors at their January 2016 meeting.

There are several significant changes to note:

·         The grants will focus on supporting the regions with their business plans as they take on delivering the mission of AAPC.  Although centers or organizations can continue to apply, their applications need to have the support of their regional leadership and need to explain how this endeavor will support the region’s goals, and if they are applying on behalf of the region.

·         Regions are encouraged to develop projects that are collaborative with other regions that would create benefit across the regions.

·         Grants will be reviewed and awarded twice a year (instead of annually) in order to be more responsive to changing needs in the region.

·         The Finance Committee will be responsible for receiving, assessing, and awarding grants, and reviewing and evaluating grants that have been awarded.

·         The application process has been streamlined to make it more “user-friendly” although still requiring key elements in the application.

·         The Finance Committee will review and assess the new process in the coming year in order to make sure it is working as desired, and will bring additional recommendations as needed to strengthen the MAP grant process.

Attached are the new guidelines and application.  Please read through them and take note of the new grant deadlines in order to submit timely applications.  If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

I would ask that the next time you see a member of the Finance Committee or Board of Directors, please express your appreciation for their work and their foresight in revising the MAP grants to financially support the transitioning work of the regions.

Link to revised MAP Guidelines:  http://secureshopper.bisglobal.net/_templates/74/2016revisedMAPGuidelines1.25.16.docx

Rev. Elizabeth Denham Thompson
AAPC Treasurer
Chair of Finance Committee

GIVE AN HOUR for the Troops

Four major mental health associations in the United States, American Association of Pastoral Counselors, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers, announced their support of"Give an Hour,"a non-profit organization providing free mental health counseling to returning troops and their families.  It is unprecedented that these organizations have come together in support of a single cause, underlining the importance of the services that these professionals believe"Give an Hour"is providing and recognizing the urgency of getting help to the brave men and women who have served our country.

This partnership will allow"Give an Hour"to reach 400,000 mental health professionals with a call to action to join their network.

  • Registration Now Open for AAPC 2017:The AAPC 2017 Conference in Decatur, GA, March 23-25 will explore the theme: Vision and Opportunity: The Future of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy and Care.+more
  • AAPC Statement & Call to Action - Board of Directors:AAPC Statement & Call to Action - Board of Directors+more
  • Expansion of Mental Health Care Hits Obstacles When access is scarce:LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Terri Hall's anxiety was back, making her hands shake as she tried to light a cigarette on the stoop of her faded apartment building. She had no appetite, and her mind galloped as she grasped for an answer to her latest setback. +more
©2005-2017 American Association of Pastoral Counselors | P.O. Box 3030 | Oakton, VA 22124 | info@aapc.org | 703-385-6967 | Fax: 703-884-9165


text:
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 - 09:02
Spokesperson Marie Harf addresses the Al Qaeda threat in the Middle East, U.S. cooperation with Yemen, Deputy Secretary Burns' Meetings in Egypt, the U.S. position on Israeli settlements, and Zimbabwe's elections.
Friday, July 26, 2013 - 13:08
Wednesday, July 24, 2013 - 08:01
Spokesperson Jen Psaki addresses the U.S.-India CEO forum, violence in Egypt, human rights in Israel/Palestine, assistance to the Syrian opposition, Malala’s speech at the UN, U.S. welcoming the pardon of Sam Rainsy in Cambodia.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013 - 07:44
Spokesperson Jen Psaki addresses U.S. concerns on violence in Egypt, military aid to the SMC in Syria, the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, Afghanistan-Taliban reconciliation talks, the revocation of Edward Snowden’s passport, and diplomacy in Colombia.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 10:38
As a general rule that human rights and promotion of democracy are very very important parts of our dialogue with the government of Uzbekistan and of course our support for civil society. Afghanistan will continue to be an important part of what we discussed, but the overall message was that Uzbekistan will continue to be important to the United States after the transition in Afghanistan and we will continue to attach a high priority to developing further these relations after 2014.
Monday, July 15, 2013 - 13:11
This critical milestone is a tribute to the determination of the people of Afghanistan to take responsibility for their country’s future, and it was made possible by heavy sacrifices on the part of the United States, coalition partners, and the Afghan forces.
Thursday, July 11, 2013 - 11:05
Spokesperson Patrick Ventrell addresses demonstrations in Brazil, supporting the Syrian opposition, Iraqi militants fighting in Syria, the resignation of the prime minister of Palestine, Taliban and Afghan officials meeting in Doha, Syrians fleeing to Lebanon, and the location of Edward Snowden.
Thursday, July 11, 2013 - 10:22
Spokesperson Jen Psaki addresses aid to the Assad regime in Syria, the new president in Iran, denuclearization in D.P.R.K., the Cuban Democracy Act, protests in Turkey, G8 discussions on Syria, Chen Guangcheng of China, and Secretary Kerry's call with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 12:31
Press Office Director Patrick Ventrell addresses recent developments in Egypt - the security situation, Egypt's democratic progress, and Amb. Patterson's remarks - cooperation with Congress on Syria, and talks with the Taliban.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 12:07
Press Office Director Patrick Ventrell addresses the upcoming Egypt protests, support for the Syrian opposition, foreign fighters in Syria, Qatar's new Amir, the Middle East peace process, and a missing citizen in Ecuador.


text:
The merchandise of SEGA’s Jet Set Radio: Collecting that Uki-Uki-Waku-Waku feeling

Unless you’re a Sonic The Hedgehog fan, collecting merchandise from SEGA franchises can be a difficult venture. Some games simply have little to no merchandise. Bug!, for example, only has a windup figure from SEGA’s Jack in the Box kid’s meal and a few Saturn era promotional pieces. Ecco the Dolphin and Toejam and Earl merchandise is almost non-existent; the former also had a Jack in the Box kid’s meal toy and the latter is just now getting products thanks to the recently funded Kickstarter campaign. Japanese franchises, like Phantasy Star Online, have quite a lot of collectibles but much of it is Japan only and requires importing and ebay hunting. Other franchises, like Shenmue, have had quite a bit of merchandise in the past and in recent years, but good luck finding any of it for a low price point.

Jet Set Radio, meanwhile, has quite a bit to offer fans when it comes to collectibles with several items releasing outside of Japan and many of them being surprisingly affordable. Seeing as Jet Set Radio is one of my favorite franchises, I’ve amassed a small collection over the years which I wanted to show off both because I am incredibly conceited and because I thought it would serve as a nice guide for those wondering what sort of Jet Set Radio merchandise is out there.

Action Figures, Toy Cars and Statues

IMG_1326Despite the original Jet Set Radio introducing fans to the world of Tokyo-to, featuring many unique characters from The GG’s to the Noise Tanks to the Golden Rhinos, the first game did not see that much merchandise when it came to toys. The first action figure to be released was 2003’s GamePro Presents Jet Set Radio Future Beat, released as part of a joint venture between gaming magazine GamePro and toy company Joyride. Between 2002 and 2003, a number of video game franchises were featured in the series, including SEGA games like Super Monkey Ball, Virtua Fighter 4, Crazy Taxi, Sonic Adventure 2 as well as games from other companies including Cel Damage and SSX Tricky.

Like other figures in the series, JSRF‘s Beat came with an offer for 2 free issues of GamePro Magazine, and the packaging opened up in the back to reveal a review of the game from the magazine. Unique to Beat was the option to mount the figure’s stand on the wall, to simulate Beat’s wall riding skills. A variant of the figure in all gray plastic, dubbed a prototype, was also released with a limited run of 500.

IMG_1324 Jet Set Radio Future also saw a few toy cars released. In 2003, the SEGA Hot Wheels released with five cars representing games of the time including Space Channel 5, which saw a Playstation 2 release of both games in 2002, the Playstation 2 version of Shinobi, the new arcade and home console series Super Monkey Ball, and the Xbox’s The House of the Dead III and Jet Set Radio Future.

In 2010, Sonic The Hedgehog action figure license holder Jazwares releases a series of Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing toy cars. While Jazwares never released every racer from the game’s roster, they did manage to release a few non-Sonic characters including Super Monkey Ball‘s Aiai and Jet Set Radio Future‘s Beat. Unlike the 2003 Hot Wheels car, which only featured JSRF branding, the Jazwares car features a tiny Beat at the wheel of the in-game vehicle. While other racers in the series saw single carded releases, including Aiai, Beat was only available in a four pack alongside Sonic, Tails and Eggman in a cardboard diorama of the game’s Seaside Hill track.

beatWhile JSRF has seen its fair share of toys and figures, fans of the first game have come up empty handed, but that is set to change later this year. Earlier in 2015, high end statue manufacturer First 4 Figures announced a new item for their SEGA All-Stars line of statues, Jet Set Radio‘s Beat. For the first time, Jet Set Radio fans will have a collectible featuring the original design of the series star. Measuring at 14 inches tall, this piece was sculpted by Kaushik Manna and features a highly detailed Beat clutching a spray paint can and grinding on a section of rail. I especially like the touch of fake grass on the ground below. Priced at $229.99, the piece is set for a Q2 2015 release and can be pre-ordered from the First 4 Figures site.

Clothing and Accessories

Screen shot 2011-02-04 at 10.05.48 AMScreen shot 2011-02-04 at 10.05.56 AMWhen the original Jet Set Radio released, it was next to impossible to find any sorts of clothing or accessories. One of the earliest known pieces in the United States was a t-shirt given to SEGA staff and volunteer’s at Jet Grind Radio‘s Graffiti is Art event. Held in San Francisco to promote the game’s release, SEGA of America got in a bit of trouble with Mayor Willie Brown who disapproved of SEGA holding a graffiti contest which featured five of the country’s best graffiti artists vying for a $5,000 prize. SEGA argued that the event did not promote vandalism and, if anything, gave graffiti artists a legal outlet for their work.

tumblr_lv73q5AtuQ1qaweyxIn Japan, Jet Set Radio had two releases, the second being De La Jet Set Radio which was the US and PAL version of the game featuring Japanese voices and text. Those who purchased from SEGA Direct, SEGA’s online store during the Dreamcast era, received the De La Jet Set Radio limited edition box with an included t-shirt which featured stylized GGs on the front and the game’s logo on the sleeve.

It wasn’t until much later, in 2012, that video game clothing manufacturer Insert Coin introduced the SEGA: Reloaded clothing line which featured two Jet Set Radio items: Beat’s shirt and a woman’s shirt based on Gum’s dress. As nice as the shirts were, fans complained about Beat’s shirt lacking the record logo on the back, to which Insert Coin initially responded “We did toy with the idea but decided to keep it simple – sorry to let you down!”. Later, however, a revised shirt was released to replace the original which added the logo to the back and adjusted the size of the text on the front to make it true to the video game.

IMG_1320In 2012, SEGA released Jet Set Radio in HD to Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and mobile and along with it came some really cool promotional items. Given away at events like E3 were a pin set featuring Beat, Gum, Pots, and the radio logo as well as a branded lanyard featuring a smattering of logos from the game and character faces. The most coveted item from the rerelease has to be the Jet Set Radio branded hooded sweatshirt which featured the logo on the front and a very cool orange outline of Beat on the back. The sweatshirt was only given away in contests and to SEGA staff.

Another piece of merchandise from SEGA’s 2012 Jet Set Radio revival was a spray paint can shaped cocktail shaker with Jet Set Radio branding, given away as a prize in a graffiti contest in which winners would receive Jet Set Radio prizes as well as inclusion of their art in the game. I was able to snap a photo of the one in SEGA of America’s display case at their San Francisco HQ. If you’ve always wanted to own one, but either can’t find it online or can’t afford what collectors are asking, an unbranded Graffiti Cocktail Shaker can be found online for a cool $20.

Magazines, Books and Posters

The printed world of Jet Set Radio spans magazines, strategy guides, and a few posters. Perhaps the most notable US magazine to feature the game was the July/August 2000 issue of the Official Dreamcast Magazine which featured an original drawing of Beat on the cover and an in-depth preview and interview with Smilebit inside (which you can read in full here). In November 2000, Vol. 8 of the magazine’s bundled demo disc (included with every issue of the magazine except for the final issue) included the Jet Grind Radio demo which featured a unique intro from Professor K introducing players to the demo and a sampling of the game’s mechanics.

Another American magazine to feature Jet Grind Radio on the cover was Gamefan Magazine which featured original artwork of Beat, Gum, Tab and Professor K who made a rare appearance outside his comfy studio.

_MG_1790In the UK, various magazines covered Jet Set Radio‘s release, including Dreamcast Magazine, Official Dreamcast Magazine, and DC-UK. While I am unaware of Jet Set Radio‘s cover presence in the first two magazines, the December 2000 issue of DC-UK featured the game on the cover and, amazingly enough, has the full issue scanned and ready for your reading pleasure! The Official Dreamcast Magazine February issue featured a reversible Jet Set Radio/Headhunter poster calendar featuring Yo-to and Beat. Jet Set Radio’s Beat also graced the cover of a promotional “The Greatest Range on Earth” VHS tape for upcoming games. Other UK magazines to feature Jet Set Radio on their covers include German magazine Dreamcast Kult’s Issue #6 (August/September 2000) and a small appearance on the German magazine Dreamcast Magic Issue #7 (December/January 2000/2001).

DCM_JP_2000-22ex_000707_coverI’m not aware of every Japanese magazine to feature the game, but one that sticks out is a mid-2000 issue of the appropriately named Dreamcast Magazine (issue #2000-22ex) which features the same artwork found on the UK’s Official Dreamcast Magazine, but covered in as much text as the magazine staff could cram in without covering character’s faces. Of course there are several other magazine covers that surely featured the original game on the cover, but these are the ones that I am aware of. If you know of any additional covers please sound off in the comments below, and if you have a scan or a photo that’s even better. As for Jet Set Radio Future, the only cover that I’m aware of is the first issue of Xbox Nation (headed by former ODCM staff including editor Simon Cox). Featuring a lovely drawing of Gum sporting her fresh redesign, placing JSRF on the cover of their first issue over games like Halo truly made XBN stand out from the competition. Know of any other JSRF magazine covers? Let me know!

JSRPG_Book_JPStrategy guides for both games were hard to come by, with the original game seeing only a Jet Grind Radio: Official Strategies & Secrets guide by publisher Sybex and the Japanese Jet Set Radio Perfect Guide published by Soft Bank. The sequel only saw one guide in Japan by way of Famitsu’s Jet Set Radio Future Perfect Guide Book. Any other tips, tricks, and guide book materials would be found in select regional Xbox magazines but it is unknown which issues featured such information.

Other printed materials include Jet Grind Radio posters and branded folders given away at SEGA of America’s Graffiti is Art event in San Francisco, however outside of photos from the event of attendees carrying around rolled posters and these mysterious folders which I’d assume contain information on the game I do not know what they looked like. I would assume the posters were of the game’s cover art, as they both have purple backgrounds. Jet Set Radio Future poster existed, featuring Beat, Gum and other characters on a blue background, but unfortunately I do not have a photo of it. I only know of it because I had it in my room in the early 2000s and it has since gone missing. There also existed promotional material for all regions provided by SEGA for game retailers, but like the JSRF poster they are things of memories (unless a reader has a photo or scan). In October 2012, Beat joined other SEGA All-Stars in the Archie Comics adaptation of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed featured in Sonic Universe #45. While Beat was the only character to make an appearance from the Jet Set Radio series, he did name drop a few characters including Professor K and impressed Sonic with his ability to annoy Doctor Eggman.

IMG_1329In 2010, Philadelphia based Larger Than Life Prints obtained the Jet Set Radio Future license and produced adhesive wall art from dozens, if not hundreds, of available in-game assets. I had the opportunity to visit LTL Prints, which I wrote about in a 2010 SEGA memories post. Giving customers the option of every single character in a variety of poses, as well as objects and NPCs, customers could then choose from a variety of sizes ranging from laptop sized to full body sized adhesive prints.

Using a large format printer, LTL would create the image and ship the roll out at a nominal fee. Unlike other wall graphics, LTL used reusable adhesive fabric which allowed for hundreds of applications before losing its stickiness with no harm done to the surface. LTL has since lost the license, but they were nice enough to give me a free character of my choosing when I visited. Oddly, one thing that was not available: in-game graffiti. If there is one thing that makes perfect sense to stick on a wall, it’s that!

With a series so steeped in music, of course Jet Set Radio and Jet Set Radio Future had a number of soundtracks. Released by Universal Music Japan in December of 2000, Jet Set Radio Original Sound Tracks featured tracks by in-house musicians Hideki Naganuma and Richard Jacques, with 14 of the 22 songs from the original Dreamcast version of the game represented. Americans who purchased Jet Grind Radio on release were given the Jet Grind Radio Music Sampler which only featured licensed music added to the American release of the game as well as songs not even found in the game. Artists included Cold, Jurassic 5, Lefty, Mix Master Mike, Professional Murder Music, Shuvel and Rob Zombie.

Jet Set Radio Future saw the release of two albums, the first being Jet Set Radio Future Original Sound Tracks by Scitron Digital Contents featuring music from Hideki Naganuma, Guitar Vader and Richard Jacques. The second album was the US exclusive pre-order album Jet Set Radio Future Music Sampler which featured in-house and licensed music from the game.

In 2012, Sumthing Else Music Works released Jet Set Radio Original Soundtrack which featured ten Jet Set Radio tracks and seven Jet Set Radio Future tracks from artists Hideki Naganuma, Richard Jacques and Toronto. Fans wanting a complete collection of music, particularly from the licensed artists, have to buy tracks individually off other albums as a full soundtrack of either game has never been released.

As evidenced, the Jet Set Radio series has had some very cool and eclectic merchandise. While I’ve covered a lot, there is no way I covered everything – have an item you’re aware of? Let us know in the comments! Photos are scans aren’t a must, but they certainly help.

12 responses to “The merchandise of SEGA’s Jet Set Radio: Collecting that Uki-Uki-Waku-Waku feeling

  1. Moody says:

    Would it ever be possible to get scans of the Xbox Nation issue of JSRF? It’s been talked about a lot, but I’d absolutely love to see it(especially since I can’t find it on eBay or Amazon).

    • Unfortunatly, that is one of the two XBN issues I do not own. Believe it or not, I tweeted a pic of my XBN collection a month back and the former editor in chief offered to buy it from me! I had to turn him down because I love the magazine too much. 🙁

  2. randroid says:

    First the PD Orta Feature and now this? That’s it! Time to pull out the Old Xbox outta the closet.

  3. Gamma says:

    What on earth does that even mean? That ‘Uki-Uki-Waku-Waku’? feeling.
    I’m thinking it’s pretty obviously a Japanese saying of some sort, anyone know?

  4. segaismysavior says:

    You know you’ve done a great feature when Hideki Naganuma tweets a link to the post. *thumbs up*

  5. Heyooo says:

    A friend of mine got me the coolest gift ages ago. It was an official Jet Set Radio RC Taxi!

  6. Heyooo says:

    Oops, meant to say Crazi Taxi. I’ve always though SEGA themed merch was always the coolest.

  7. Damon says:

    It’s hard to find other companies that go further than Sega when it comes to good merchandise, Sega does more more often in that department, even now they still do, on their official Sega store, their hardware series is regularly featured too, laptops designed after iconic Sega consoles and an Anime series based on them ect ect ect.

  8. SkyBlue says:

    Ecco the Dolphin actually had a very limited edition print with a T-Shirt and a Badge of some sort according to RetroGamer’s Mega Drive Gems Page. (Which is a very interesting article, and didn’t think it existed either before reading it)

    Good luck getting EVERYTHING from that LE though as the Shirts were likely thrown away.

  9. JSRFan says:

    I actually own those two JSR tees (Graffiti is art, dev tee) and a lot more JSR merch you probably haven’t heard of!

  10. Faaaab says:

    Well, I guess there is one you forgot, which is the absolute best one IMAO:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


text:
Another MEXT announcement about English

Another week, another MEXT announcement about English education.

As usual, I agree with MEXT. Junior high school English classes would probably be more effective if they were done entirely in English. I remember learning French that way in the UK and it was mostly fine for me and my classmates. The main difference with Japan is that our teachers were fully trained, had opportunities to visit France to keep up their language skills, were able to use suitable materials, and enjoyed the support of colleagues, administrators, and parents. The exams in the UK also focused on communicative tasks.

I wish MEXT the best of luck with the implementation of this ambitious project, but I suspect we won’t be seeing these policies implemented in local schools any time soon. Personally, I am still trying to get our local high schools to start extensive reading programs… maybe 2014 will be the year?

Sssh! Don’t tell the government the secrets to improving English ability 😉 they rarely listen anyway! Or at least, listen but say it would be difficult and too expensive so instead they’ll pump billions into concrete projects (with short term benefits) rather than invest in their childrens’ futures. #political

Martin, I thought I was cynical! The sad thing at the moment is that the government is going to pump billions into English education, but they are going to give most of it to ETS for TOEFL tests… I’d love to see smaller class sizes in junior and senior high schools instead.

I try not to be too cynical, more realistic?! It’s the LDP’s permanent policy of supporting the construction industry and farmers (ensuring lots of votes) which gives short-term gains to certain areas but it doesn’t add much value to the economy long term.

They make all these grandiose statements of intent regarding English education but can’t seem to break themselves away from the corrupting influence of Eiken and Center Shiken. There are better tests out there (Cambridge YL, TOEFL etc) but it’s hard to break into Japan as they want to protect their own (fine but then make good quality tests for all 4 skills at all levels)

Smaller class sizes, the abandonment of yakudoku, properly trained JTEs, more (qualified) NTEs, English education from 1st grade of elementary so the pupils are equipped to handle all-EN classes at the JHS level… and on it goes. Sadly, I have little faith that these grandiose policies will be effectively implemented at the class level. My research next year will be investigating the disconnect between policy and practice at the high school level. Stay tuned for more bad news…

You know I love bad new, Cory 🙂

100% target language is my passion but sadly very few modern language lessons are conducted this way in the UK and it shows in the communicative ability, or lack thereof, of students. We all know this is key but does putting native speakers without pedagogical training work? No, I hang my head in shame with the lessons I led whilst in Japan.

I know what you mean about those lessons back then 🙂

I remember the kind of things I was doing and cringe slightly. However, even though I could do much better now (and maybe more importantly, train others how to do so), there was still some value from those clumsy attempts to engage with students…

Leave a Reply to Martin Cancel reply

  • Recent Posts

  • Archives

  • %d bloggers like this: