kindle 3g

3G or Wi-Fi-only Kindle? Advice for cost-conscious holiday shoppers Need some help deciding whether to pay for the more advanced version of your favorite gadgets for the holidays? Ask Maggie has some advice. You finally know which gadgets you're buying for friends and loved ones this holiday season. But now you're stumped about whether to shell out the extra bucks for features like 3G on the Kindle Touch or higher resolution on the Roku video-streaming box. Have no fear; Ask Maggie is here to help. Kindle Touch: 3G or Wi-Fi-only? Dear Maggie, My sister wants an e-reader for Christmas. I am going to get her the Kindle Touch. But I'm not sure if I should spend the extra $50 to get her a 3G version of the device. She has Wi-Fi at home. So does she need the 3G version? Thanks, Beth Dear Beth, The Kindle Touch is sure to be a hot gift this year. At $99 for the Wi-Fi-only version of the e-reader, it's hard to resist. In fact, I plan on buying one as a gift this year too. But if you tack on the additional $50 for the 3G version, that great deal starts to look a little pricey, at $149 a pop. So is 3G connectivity worth the added cost? Or will your sister be happy with the Wi-Fi-only version? Amazon Kindle Touch I asked John Falcone, executive editor for CNET Reviews, this very question. He said that for most even slightly tech-savvy people, the 3G version is overkill. He recommends the Wi-Fi-only version for most people. "I'd rather spend $50 on books than an additional $50 on the device," he told me. I agree with him. First, let me explain what you get with the 3G version of the Kindle Touch. Unlike the Wi-Fi version of the Kindle Touch, the 3G version allows you to download books and magazines anywhere you can get access to AT&T's cellular wireless network. It doesn't require you to enter any passwords for a Wi-Fi hot spot. Instead, it connects to the Internet via the AT&T wireless network straight out of the box, so you can start downloading books as soon as you turn it on. The cost of the wireless service is bundled into the cost of the device. This differs from tablets, such as the Apple iPad. If you have a 3G version of the iPad, you have to subscribe to a data service from either AT&T or Verizon Wireless to get wireless service anywhere. But even though you get more ubiquitous access with the Kindle Touch 3G without subscribing to a data service, which is a nice convenience, I just don't think that it's really worth the additional $50. And the reason why is that the 3G wireless access you get only allows you to download books, newspapers, and magazines. Unlike the previous Kindle 3G, now called the Kindle Keyboard 3G, the Kindle Touch will not allow you to browse the Web over the 3G network . You can only use the browser for more general Web surfing in Wi-Fi. Amazon clarified this point in a statement issued after the Kindle Touch was announced this fall: "We apologize for the confusion. Our new Kindle Touch 3G enables you to connect to the Kindle Store, download books and periodicals, and access Wikipedia--all over 3G or Wi-Fi. Experimental Web browsing (outside of Wikipedia) on Kindle Touch 3G is only available over Wi-Fi." Amazon also allows you to download documents on the Kindle Touch via 3G, but you may be charged extra for that service. The 3G version of the Kindle Touch will also work with some wireless networks in other countries, but Amazon's terms of use explains that you may have to pay for access to those wireless networks to buy a book. Since most people can easily find a Wi-Fi hot spot when they want to download books at home or while they are traveling, I think it makes little sense to spend the extra money for the 3G version of the Kindle Touch e-reader. That said, there are some instances when the 3G version might be a good fit for some people. For example, if your sister doesn't have broadband or Wi-Fi access at home, I'd recommend the 3G version. Or if your sister is completely tech-illiterate, and you fear that the Wi-Fi set-up will be too complicated for he, I'd recommend the 3G version, since it's so easy to use. But for most people, the Wi-Fi version will work very well. Good luck, and happy holidays! Roku for Christmas Dear Maggie, My 68-year-old aunt has had a Netflix account for years. She loves the selection of foreign films and documentaries. I told her about the streaming-video service. And now she really wants to stream video to her TV too. Do you think the Roku LT Streaming Player is a good gift for her? I noticed it is only $50 on Amazon. But I'm wondering if I should spend a little more and get her a more advanced model? What do you think? Thanks, Jake Dear Jake, Save your money! The $50 Roku LT Streaming Player is all your aunt needs to enjoy tons of great streaming content from Netflix, as well as from other online "channels," such as Amazon, Hulu Plus, and Crackle TV. Roku now has four different devices that it sells, ranging in price from $50 for the Roku LT Streaming Player to $90 for the Roku 2 XS Streaming Player. For most people, who are mainly interested in watching streaming video using the Roku box, the lower-cost Roku LT is perfectly fine. The extra $40 you would spend on the higher-end model doesn't offer enough of a feature difference to make it worthwhile. Roku LT Streaming Player Here's a list of the features included in the higher-end device--and my rationale for why it doesn't matter: 1080p high-definition video resolution: The biggest difference between the low-end and the high-end Roku boxes offered right now is that the lower-end Roku LT device offers high-definition video at 720p resolution. The high-end Roku 2 XS offers HD at 1080p resolution. Of course, the 1080p means that the resolution is a higher quality (more pixels on the screen,) but for average consumers, such as your aunt, it's a difference that is barely noticeable, according to John Falcone, executive editor for CNET Reviews. David Katzmaier, CNET's TV expert, said in an article discussing the difference in HDTV resolution that 720p can still look great. In fact, he said that unless you have a very large TV, you'll have a hard time telling the difference between any of the HDTV resolutions. What's more, not all video content that is offered for streaming is transmitted at 1080p. Also, depending on the quality of her broadband connection, your aunt may not get the full resolution, anyway. So the bottom line is that paying extra for 1080p on the Roku isn't really worth it. Bluetooth and Enhanced-RF remote: Another thing that the Roku 2 XS offers, which is not available on the low-end Roku LT, is the enhanced-RF remote with motion controls and Bluetooth connectivity. Once again, for people most interested in watching streaming video, these features are frivolous. They are geared toward people who want to play online games on their TV. I'm guessing that your 68-year-old aunt is not a big gamer. Therefore, if you forgo the Bluetooth and enhanced-RF remote, and go with the cheaper version of the Roku, she won't even notice. Angry Birds: The high-end Roku device has access to the Rovio game Angry Birds for free. Unless your aunt is an Angry Birds fanatic, I don't think the extra $40 is worth it for access to this game. Ethernet port: The Roku 2 XS is the only Roku device that offers an Ethernet port for connecting to the Internet. But if your aunt has Wi-Fi connectivity in her home, then this should not be an issue. In fact, most people prefer to use Wi-Fi, since their broadband modem or router may not be near their TV. Also, it means fewer cables strung behind the TV. If you use Ethernet for the broadband access, then the Roku device, which connects directly to the TV via an HDMI cable, will have to sit next to or close to the broadband router. If you use Wi-Fi, then the broadband connection can be across the room, and you can still set up the device. I hope that this advice is helpful. Good luck with your Christmas shopping. And happy holidays! Ask Maggie is an advice column that answers readers' wireless and broadband questions. The column now appears twice a week on CNET, offering readers a double dosage of advice. If you have a question, I'd love to hear from you. Please send me an e-mail at maggie dot reardon at cbs dot com. And please put "Ask Maggie" in the subject header. You can also follow me on Facebook on my Ask Maggie page. CAR TECH Macan: Meet the very different future of Porsche (CNET On Cars, Episode 52) Porsche Macan marks the beginning of several chapters for the carmaker, plus a new list of the safest cheap first cars for teens and the new options that are putting the squeeze on car radio. WATCH VIDEO ABOUT THE AUTHOR Marguerite Reardon Marguerite Reardon has been a CNET News reporter since 2004, covering cell phone services, broadband, citywide Wi-Fi, the Net neutrality debate, as well as the ongoing consolidation of the phone companies. E-mail Maggie.See full bio

hitachi

November 2, 2004 A new Air Jet Dry system from Hitachi not only washes clothes - but dries them as well, all in the one compact machine. Ideal for ever-increasing hectic lifestyles and limited living spaces, the new Air Jet is available in stores now. "People have always thought of washing machines as having a single purpose - to wash clothes," says Shibily Moidy, Product Manager, Home and Life Solutions, Hitachi Australia. "But with innovations like the new Air Jet, we are engineering a new phase of development where washers and air dryers are interactive and able to serve multiple purposes." Using air room temperature, the revolutionary Air Jet dries clothes while they're still inside the washing machine. Air is sucked into the centre of the washing tub at high power, then spirals up and around the inner wall. At the top the air mixes with fresh air being sucked in to continue the cycle and dry the contents of the tub. Perfect for busy households, the Air Jet leaves clothes dry, tangle-free and ready to wear once ironed. And because the air is not heated, it won't damage your clothes like a dryer can. "The Air Jet requires no transfer from the washing machine to the clothes line or dryer, so a load can be washed and dried by the end of the day," adds Moidy. "And no matter what the weather, you can guarantee your clothes will be clean and dry." The Air Jet Dry is now available at a suggested retail price of AUD $999 for the 8 kg machine and AUD $1099 for the 9 kg. For more information see: http://www.hitachi.com.au Key Features of the Air Jet Dry system: * 8.0kg or 9.0kg capacity Air Jet washer * Powerful 900rpm Quick-Dry * Stainless steel large capacity tub * 51cm wide tub * New air-in flap * 8 program cycle * Speedy wash cycle * Spin speed 900rpm * 12 level water selector * Wide pulsator * Fuzzy logic control * 9 minute spin dry timer

washing clothes

Washing Clothes - The machine fundamentals Choosing a Washing Machine - Some Fundamentals Thanks for all the likes and comments on 'choosing a Fridge'. The next preferred appliance in the heirarchy of acquisition , is the Washing Machine. To understand our best buy , let us understand the dynamics of washing a little: Why do clothes get dirty ? Because , sweat , salts , oil from the body , and dust , fumes , soot , smoke and pollutants from our environment , gets entangled in the fine fibres of the fabric . What happens when you wash clothes with water and detergent ? The detergent is a chemical , that acts in the presence of water (which acts as a catalyst or facilitator by dissolving the chemical detergent) , to break down the entangled dirt particles. And the physical action of your hand scrub , or the maid's brush , or the washerman's splash on the stones , removes the broken up dirt , to clean up the pores and the fabric. So what all does the washing machine change ? Well , the water and the detergent still are needed . What changes , is the physical action required to push out the dirt . Along with the same , the type of washing machine you choose , also decides the level of convenience you achieve in terms of soaking , rinsing the detergent , and drying without the involvement of your own , your maid's or your washerman's physical action. This brings us down to the basics of what type of machine you could choose. (a)The starters , single person households or small (read two adult , lots of spare time) families , might go with avery basic washer , which purely removes the pain of soaking the clothes in soap , and churning them to remove the dirt. The rinsing , wringing out the water , and drying in the sun needs to be done later. In lighter vein , these machines are known more as 'lassi churning machines' in north India , more than complete washing machines. (b)Thus the very basic category of machine , could be called as the twin tub or the semi automatic machine , with offers of capacities of 5/6/7/8 Kg dry load. Dry load is the stated capacity of dry clothes that the machine can take. (For very rough calculations , a double bed sheet is around 1250 grams , a shirt is close to 250 grams , a saree might be 400 grams , and a blanket might weigh 2500 grams). For a household of 4 persons , the daily (dry) load is going to be nearly 3.5kgs to 4.5 kgs . Add to this the load of alternate day laundry like towels , weekly laundry like bed linen , etc. in a 4 member household the daily load peaks at about 6.5 to 7 kgs. The capacity of the machine should thus be based upon the washing frequency that you wish to deploy. For a daily wash , a 6 kgs machine is good enough , but for washing on alternate days , even an 8 kg machine would not work in a single wash . The twin tub washing machine provides you the convenience to soak , wash and rinse in one tub. Physical intervention is required to remove the clothes to the second tub for rinse , and spin drying. After spin dry , a sun drying effort is required to bring clothes to iron / use level of readiness. (c)The fully automatic or top loading single tub washing machine , is normally a complete convenience equipment , which enables soaking , washing , rinsing and drying in one single tub. The wash capacity remains fundamentally same , as applicable for a single tub , except that the tub for spin drying too is the same , and not smaller , as in case of a semi automatic machine , thus needing no physical intervention or shift for rinsing out soap , and drying. The need to dry out in sun or air after the complete cycle of wash , rinse and spin , remains the same as for a semi automatic washing machine. (d)The tumble wash , or kost commonly called the front loading machine, is the costliest in the category of washing machines , because it provides additional convenience of maintaining the texture of the clothes , and creating an environment of thrashing clothes on a water bed , which provides the cleanest wash. In some machines , the drying capability is upto 90% , which makes clothes ironing ready , and thus not needing sun drying after the machine drying in done. Some user tips : (a)For a clean wash , it is not essential that water be heated. In tropical countries like India , chances are that the ambient temperatures would be above 25/30 degrees celsius , which are right for best detergent efficiency. Hot water would work additionally as a disinfectant , and hence it might be advisable to wash baby nappies and other hygiene needing clothes in a small load separately , in the interest of energy saving (b)Bleaching , liquid blue rinse and starch applications are possible with machine wash too , but with physical intervention. Bleaching , and liquid blue application needs segregation of white loads , and application at the beginning and end of wash respectively. Starch application too would be used towards the end. However , all these activities might stain , corrode or clog the equipment. It is always better to get re-assured about the capability of the metal , plastics and elctronic components to withstand such usage , at the time of purchase. (c)Laundry areas carrying harsh dirt , like collars , hem lines etc. might need a spray of special washing agents , available in super stores , to get fully cleaned , since the machine does not select specific areas for tougher wash (d)Woolens and silks must ideally be washed separately since they need gentle wash . And clothes which are susceptible to color loss , obviously need separate handling. Write back to inform if the article has been of value. Seek more information on :vivekkgind@yahoo.co.in vivek kumar gupta

washing machine

Things to keep in mind before you buy a washing machine Namrata Dadwal, ET Bureau Sep 26, 2011, 03.49am IST FEATURES TO CONSIDER Material of the drum/tub The tub can be made of plastic, porcelain-enamel or stainless steel. The first two are cheaper. Plastic tubs are more durable than enamel ones, which can chip and rust. Stainless steel tubs are the best as they are the most durable and can withstand high spin speeds. Wash settings Most machines have preset wash programmes, such as 'gentle wash' for delicate clothes, and water level options. You can customise and save favourite settings. These can be adjusted through rotary controls, a touchpad or a touchscreen. The first type is the cheapest. Spin cycle The spin cycle for drying is measured as revolutions per minute (rpm). The higher the rpm, the better it will dry your clothes. However, this will depend on the types of clothes. For delicate clothes, the spin cycle is 300-500 rpm, while for thicker items, such as jeans, it is about 1,000 rpm. Fuzzy logic This feature automatically chooses the best washing conditions depending on the quantity of clothes. It detects the weight of the laundry and then determines how much water, detergent and time is required to clean the load. So, you don't need to bother with any settings. Temperature control If the washer has an in-built heater, this feature will help adjust the temperature of the water. This can prove useful in winter. Besides, hot water cleans clothes better. Some of the machines have steam setting, which helps fight dirt and stains well. Time delay & pre-soak Time delay allows you to load the washing machine and start it later. This is useful if you want to avoid the noise at certain times. The pre-soak facility allows you to soak the clothes for a specified period, after which the wash cycle starts automatically. WHICH WASHING MACHINE SUITS YOUR NEEDS? Semi-automatic or Automatic Semi-automatic These entry-level washing machines have two tubs, one for washing and the other for drying. So you need to keep shifting the clothes. The good: Semi-automatic washing machines don't need a permanent water connection and also use less water than the fully automatic ones. They are also the cheapest and usually cost Rs 5,500-12,000. The bad: These machines require manual intervention. They are also bigger in size and need more space, though they have wheels for mobility. Automatic These washing machines have only one tub, where you can perform all functions. So you don't need to shift clothes. The good: Such washing machines are energy-efficient. They need to be programmed only once before each wash load, which is why they offer more preset wash programmes. These are of two types—top loading and front loading. The bad: Automatic washers are more expensive. Top loaders cost Rs 8,500-35,000, while front loaders are available for Rs 12,500-75,000. Top loading or front loading Top loading These are of two types: agitators and impellers. Agitators have a pole with fins that protrudes from the bottom of the drum and moves the clothes around. Impellers have propellers at the bottom, which churns the water to move the clothes. The good: You can add clothes midway through the wash cycle. They have a shorter wash cycle. The bad: They use a lot of water. Those with agitators are rougher on clothes, while impellers are good for delicate materials, but tend to tangle clothes. Front loading In these machines, the drum rotates, tumbling the clothes to clean them. The good: Front loaders are the most energy- and water efficient and also wash the cleanest. Most of them have a built-in heater to heat water. The bad: These washing machines are more expensive than the others. They require a permanent water connection and the pressure of the water has to be high. You cannot add clothes midway through a cycle. Front loaders are heavy and cannot be moved easily. Additional features Automatic dispensers: These release the bleach, detergent or fabric softener automatically at an appropriate time during the wash cycle. Extra rinse cycle: As the name suggests, it rinses the laundry for an additional cycle and is beneficial for people who are sensitive to detergent residue. Air dry: When the drum rotates, this feature allows it to suck in air and blast it out on the clothes. This results in a more effective and faster drying of clothes, leaving them free of bad odour and bacteria. PICK AN ACCESSORY Clothes dryer If you don't have space to dry your laundry or live in a humid place, a clothes dryer is a good buy. Though a washing machine can remove excess water, the advantage of a dryer is that the heated air circulated through the drum evaporates the moisture completely, so that the clothes can be worn immediately. A dryer, which has a moisture sensor, is better than the one that uses a traditional thermostat as it minimises chances of overdrying, which can damage or shrink clothes. While too many dryers aren't available, you can get a good one for Rs 15,000-22,000.

IFB washing machine review mouthshut.com

NEVER go for IFB products. By: sanjeevbathinda | Oct 08, 2014 05:05 PM Never buy IFB products: We have got IFB fully automatic washing machine. As soon as it got out of warranty, itstarted getting faulty each and every month (as if they had fitted some parts so accurately so that they couldn't last a day longer than 2 years). Now, of course, I had to call their toll free numbers and local service centers.Neither was very friendly, except for a nice female sound. Even local service centers number rarely was available(always busy: lot of people might be suffering at their hands!). After getting the call logged, they will visit only when it fits them . Not on the same day or the next day. Never. Then, their charges are so high that I was simply astonished. And to top of that, they bargain . I just got checked my machine for a sound for no apparent reason which took just 5-10 min of the technician, and gave me a estimate of 5000(new machine had cost me Rs 12000). Of couse I refused. But he said he still need Rs 500 for fault telling. I was totally astonished. I tried to bargain and he immediately came to Rs 335. I complained and talked to their service center manager, Mr Amrit. But he was worse. So, I called up their all India helpline. And requested them to provide me some sort of rate chart. But they again pointed me to the same service center for which I was demanding the same. How rubbish! So, this is the story with IFB, at least with their service center guys at Bathinda. IFB washing machine and service...both are poor By: smithareji | Oct 08, 2014 03:03 PM I've IFB Senator DX front loading washing machine. It is 4 years old, warranty just got over last month, Sep 2014. The machine had undergone for repairing so many times, though it was under warranty I would have spent at least 10-15K rupees for its maintenance. Every two months, I will face some problem with the machine and the service is pathetic. To rectify small issues also, they will take one month. You have to keep on following up with them every day.really fed up with it.

English DVD

English Communication Skills Training Materials Power Point Slides | Workbooks |Training Manuals | Icebreakers Activities | Exercise Files | Customizable & Editable This Training Materials kit includes everything you need to teach Communication Skills training; Training Manuals, Icebreakers, Activities, Exercise Files, Pre-Assignments, Lesson Plans and PowerPoint Slides. This CD contains the following Customizable Training Materials Basic & Advanced Grammar Training Materials Basic & Advanced Spoken English Training Materials Effective Communication Training Materials Business English Training Materials US & UK Accent Training Materials Call Center Training Materials Editable and customizable Training Materials. All you need to run a great training program. Limit your time and money by using ready-made training materials and Instructor resources. Trainers who used our training materials were able to provide accelerated learning solutions that have engaged all types of learners. English Communication Skills Training Materials CD Rs.300/- (Inclusive of All) Offer Price valid till 19th October 2014. How to Order? To Order kindly send your Name, Clear Postal address, Landmark with Pincode and Contact number to this email Id (egtga@yahoo.in) Product CD dispatches through VPP (Postal Service) and delivered within 7 working days at your door steps by post man.

Moody Publishers

Time, Money, Energy Lincoln Brunner is a missionary journalist and photographer for ReachGlobal. He specializes in helping missionaries best relay their work to churches. For many churches, “Missions Sunday” is around the corner, and while it may be too late to change the agenda, it is not too late to consider what Lincoln has to say. Feel free to reply to this email with comments. We may not respond to every email, but we will read them, and every once in a while we’ll send you a free book. Enjoy this week's Post-Sunday Newsletter. Missions Sunday: The day of ethnic food, funny costumes, and elaborate display booths showcasing 20 years of faithful service in places like Swaziland. We go to a lot of trouble to pull it all together, don’t we? Or rather, your missionaries go to a lot of trouble, in the hopes that a few people will chat over some curried lamb, watch their video, or—please, Lord—grab a commitment card. It can make for a really good experience, but honestly, everybody breathes a sigh of relief when it’s over, right? What if we tried something different? What if instead of posting missionaries for display, you did some real legwork before Missions Sunday on their behalf? Here are a couple of ideas: Instead of booths, get a team at your church to call and interview each of your church’s supported missionaries. Ask them to candidly share their greatest fears and struggles. Seek out their most poignant stories—the joyous ones, sure, but also the gut-wrenching ones, the ones that make you want to cry. Offer missionaries the option of remaining anonymous, but don’t recommend it right away. Post the stories in the bulletin or on your website. Then, as long as it’s Missions Sunday, set aside a significant portion of your morning service to respond in prayer. Also, don’t have a Missions Sunday each year. Have several, maybe one per quarter. If you take the Great Commission seriously (of course you do), and if you’re serious about your church’s role in reaching the unsaved with the gospel, then don’t your missionaries deserve more than a day of vying for your congregation’s attention all at once? If you were to honor missionaries like this, it would do more than make their day. It would show them you care about them deeply. As a bonus, it would increase your congregation’s emotional connection to people whom they often have trouble understanding or relating to. And wouldn’t that benefit everyone involved more than just a plate of curried lamb would? Lincoln is a missionary reporter whose stories focus a sharp light on the human condition and what God is doing to redeem it. You can read more from Lincoln at GoTell.It. Find Lincoln and co-author Jim Killam’s most recent book at ShopMoodyPublishers.com

Time,Money,Energy

At Moody Publishers, one of our goals is to serve church leaders like you. So we’ve asked our managing editor, Pam Pugh, to share her reflections on the book Is It My Fault?, which equips ministry leaders, families, and friends to care for victims of domestic violence. We see the abundance of pink during October and remember the worthy cause it represents, but ribbons of purple remind us to be aware of another reality: domestic violence. Yes, we know it exists. We’ve read the stats. And it’s an uncomfortable topic to address. My social worker friend has worked in this field for many years and heard innumerable times from abusers, “The Bible says I can do anything I want to my (woman).” Certainly God’s Word does not. But some abusers make the claim that it does, and some victims fall prey not only to abuse but also to this falsehood. What constitutes abuse? In Is It My Fault?, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb reveal the various guises of abuse (some that may surprise you) as well as tactics of abusers: belittling, controlling, being violent. Many of us wonder, “Why doesn’t the victim just leave or toss out the abuser?” Is It My Fault? offers some reasons, sadly among them religion: “Religious beliefs cause women to feel God does not permit them to leave . . . This is their cross to bear . . . Perpetual forgiveness of their husband is God’s expectation.” There are other reasons—e.g., finances, embarrassment, mixed feelings toward the abuser—but this woman has likely been (or is) in our churches. Does she feel free to reach out? How can we help? Is It My Fault? is loaded with rich content to choose from, offering practical help to the victim, her friends, her church family, and her pastor. One of the pleasures of working for a publishing house is the wide-ranging array of books I get to read. Is It My Fault? stands out as one that I’m especially proud we published. October is also Apple Month, Toilet Tank Repair Month, and Self-Promotion Month (try developing a sermon series around that last one!). Like “pink,” the “purple” issue is not limited to one month but is something to be aware of year round. Let’s echo the authors’ words in our churches: “Abuse is not the way things should be. You were made for more than this.” The month of October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to it. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Nearly three out of four of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. We’ve pulled together resources from Justin and Lindsey Holcomb’s work to equip you for ministry to domestic abuse victims.

Eight ways to get a sparkling bath room dressyourhome.in

A little caveat before I begin this post: it’s not the feel-good type that you are used to seeing on this page. It’s one of those get-down-and-dirty posts but something e can’t live without. If you’re game, continue reading and I promise there are great pictures in the end :) What is the one thing that causes you the most agony in maintaining your home? For me, it’s cleaning bathroom and kitchen tiles. Outsourcing this area of home cleaning has never given me good results and I don’t feel good telling someone to clean the bathrooms. Products I use: 1. Easy Off for hard water stains. There are different flavors of the product. Choose the one best for you. 2. Harpic/Domex/Clean Mate (really doesn’t matter). Alright, Harpic fares a teeny tiny bit better than the rest! 3. Homemade paste of vinegar/baking powder/lime/salt. How to clean bathroom tiles – the process : Ok, let’s get to the dirty bit. 1. The bathroom cleaning ritual is not something I hate totally. It gives me immense satisfaction to maintain a clean bathroom. I usually clean it before a shower which has its own advantages. You don’t have to worry about soiling your clothes! 2. I choose nights when I expect the family to kick start the following day late to apply Harpic/Easy Off on the tiles. Leaving them overnight works wonders as it takes very little scrubbing and brushing effort the next morning. Using a sponge (I use the one from Scotch Brite) does not damage the tiles (no scratches while bringing back the shine). 3. No water, no dirt : The real trick in having sparkling tiles is to net water accumulate in the floor. More the water, more the dirt absorption capacity. I know it’s fairly tough to maintain a dry bathroom if you do not have a demarcated shower area. Especially in old rented homes, there’s little one can do. So keep a mop handy in the bathroom to wipe away water after shower. If you own the place and do not have a shower area, get one. It’s really easy. Get a strip of tiles affixed on the floor to form a small square/rectangular portion. 4. Stained tiles : My apartment was rented for a few years and poor maintenance did it in. The bathroom tiles were stained and it took me months to take the shine back. If you have stained tiles too, then here are few things that will work: apply a solution of vinegar/salt/lemon/baking soda on the stained part and let it stand for a while or acid wash. I do not recommend acid wash highly for two reasons: it’s not permanent and a lot of hard work, and tiles lose their sheen. 5. Cleaning scum from taps: Hard water tends to leave a thick deposit on the taps. The vinegar mixture works well on the scum. This is a economical solution. Or if you have Easy off, you can use it. Use the same procedure to clean the soap dish and the racks that hold the toiletries. If it is glass, then do it while cleaning your mirrors. If it is granite, then wipe away with a clean towel. 6. Before beginning to clean the tiles, I flush the toilet and pour two caps of Harpic and let it sit for at least 2 hours. Doing this at least one/two times a week helps and will be a lot less work. 7. Glass cleaner: I use a spray glass cleaner to clean the mirror with a clean piece of cloth/towel. 8. Once a week, clean the kids’ bath tub with a brush to remove the scum. Ensure the tub is free of water after every shower. If there isn’t sufficient white cement between the gaps in tiles, hire someone and get it done. This prevents water seepage. And finally, when you’re done, spray your favorite room freshener.

Washing Socks in the Washing Machine

Most of us use washing machines to wash our socks; however, washing Socks is not as simple as dumping them all in the machine and turning it on. In order to wash socks thoroughly, and keep them from being destroyed, there are a few things that you should know. How to Properly Wash Socks When washing socks, you don't necessarily need to completely separate them from other types of clothing. However, you do need to separate different colors of socks. For instance, when watching white athletic socks, you should wash them with other whites such as underwear, white T-shirts or other predominately white colored clothing. Wash them in warm or hot water and use a small amount of chlorine bleach to help get them thoroughly clean and also to kill bacteria and germs. When washing colored socks such as nylon dress socks, you should avoid using regular bleach as this will discolor the socks. If you want to use bleach, try a color safe bleach or use a detergent with a mild bleach already included. Always avoid washing colored socks with white clothing as the colors may bleed onto the whites. Never wash your colored socks in hot water as this may result in shrinkage. Dealing with Long Socks Not only socks, but other small laundry items can be collected into nets and washed together. The nets can be bought or they can be made out of old pantyhose or loosely knitted garments. You can also use the net in the dryer. Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/washing-socks-in-the-washing-machine#b#ixzz3GssQbgS1

Illusion Delusion and Fantasy definitions

Illusion From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Not to be confused with allusion. For other uses, see Illusion (disambiguation). "Head on a Platter" exhibit at theRegional Science Centre, Bhopal An illusion is a distortion of the senses, revealing how the brain normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation. Though illusions distort reality, they are generally shared by most people.[1] Illusions may occur with any of the human senses, but visual illusions (optical illusions), are the most well-known and understood. The emphasis on visual illusions occurs because vision often dominates the other senses. For example, individuals watching a ventriloquist will perceive the voice is coming from the dummy since they are able to see the dummy mouth the words.[2]Some illusions are based on general assumptions the brain makes duringperception. These assumptions are made using organizational principles (e.g.,Gestalt theory), an individual's capacity for depth perception and motion perception, and perceptual constancy. Other illusions occur because of biological sensory structures within the human body or conditions outside of the body within one’s physical environment. The term illusion refers to a specific form of sensory distortion. Unlike a hallucination, which is a distortion in the absence of a stimulus, an illusion describes a misinterpretation of a true sensation. For example, hearing voices regardless of the environment would be a hallucination, whereas hearing voices in the sound of running water (or other auditory source) would be an illusion. Mimes are known for a repertoire of illusions that are created by physical means. The mime artist creates an illusion of acting upon or being acted upon by an unseen object. These illusions exploit the audience's assumptions about the physical world. Well-known examples include "walls", "climbing stairs", "leaning", "descending ladders", and "pulling and pushing". Contents [hide] • 1 Optical illusions • 2 Auditory illusions • 3 Tactile illusions • 4 Temporal illusions • 5 Other senses • 6 Disorders • 7 Neuroscience • 8 In Hindu philosophy • 9 See also • 10 References • 11 External links Optical illusions[edit] An optical illusion. Square A is exactly the same shade of grey as Square B. (SeeChecker shadow illusion.) Main article: Optical illusion An optical illusion is characterized by visually perceived images that are deceptive or misleading. Therefore, the information gathered by the eye is processed by the brain to give, on the face of it, a percept that does not tally with a physical measurement of the stimulus source. A conventional assumption is that there are physiological illusions that occur naturally and cognitive illusions that can be demonstrated by specific visual tricks that say something more basic about how human perceptual systems work. The human brain constructs a world inside our head based on what it samples from the surrounding environment. However sometimes it tries to organise this information it thinks best while other times it fills in the gaps.[3] [4] This way in which our brain works is the basis of an illusion. Auditory illusions[edit] Main article: Auditory illusion An auditory illusion is an illusion of hearing, the sound equivalent of an optical illusion: the listener hears either sounds which are not present in the stimulus, or "impossible" sounds. In short, audio illusions highlight areas where the human ear and brain, as organic, makeshift tools, differ from perfect audio receptors (for better or for worse). One example of an auditory illusion is a Shepard tone. Tactile illusions[edit] Main article: Tactile illusion Examples of tactile illusions include phantom limb, the thermal grill illusion, the cutaneous rabbit illusion and a curious illusion that occurs when the crossed index and middle fingers are run along the bridge of the nose with one finger on each side, resulting in the perception of two separate noses. Interestingly, the brain areas activated during illusory tactile perception are similar to those activated during actual tactile stimulation.[5] Tactile illusions can also be elicited through haptic technology.[6] These "illusory" tactile objects can be used to create "virtual objects".[7] Temporal illusions[edit] Temporal illusions can occur in many ways. Other senses Illusions can occur with the other senses including those involved in food perception. Here both sound[8] and touch[9] have been shown to modulate the perceived staleness and crispness of food products. It was also discovered that even if some portion of the taste receptor on the tongue became damaged that illusory taste could be produced by tactile stimulation.[10]Evidence of olfactory (smell) illusions occurred when positive or negative verbal labels were given prior to olfactory stimulation.[11] Disorders Some illusions occur as result of an illness or a disorder. While these types of illusions are not shared with everyone, they are typical of each condition. For example migraine sufferers often report fortification illusions. Neuroscience[edit] In an experiment with one patient, electrical stimulation at the left temporoparietal junction lead to an illusion of another person close to her.[12][13] In Hindu philosophy[edit] Main article: Maya (illusion) The word "illusion" is used to denote different aspects in Hindu philosophy. Many monist philosophies clearly demarcate illusion from truth and falsehood. Per advaita philosophy, illusion is something which is not true and not false. Whereas in general usage it is common to assume that illusion is false, Hindu philosophy makes a distinction between Maya (illusion) and falsehood. Delusion From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A delusion is a belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary.[1] As a pathology, it is distinct from a belief based on false or incomplete information, confabulation, dogma, illusion, or other effects ofperception. Delusions typically occur in the context of neurological or mental illness, although they are not tied to any particular disease and have been found to occur in the context of many pathological states (both physical and mental). However, they are of particular diagnostic importance in psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, paraphrenia, manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. Definition[edit] Although non-specific concepts of madness have been around for several thousand years, the psychiatrist and philosopherKarl Jaspers was the first to define the three main criteria for a belief to be considered delusional in his 1913 book General Psychopathology.[2] These criteria are: • certainty (held with absolute conviction) • incorrigibility (not changeable by compelling counterargument or proof to the contrary) • impossibility or falsity of content (implausible, bizarre or patently untrue)[3] Furthermore, when a false belief involves a value judgment, it is only considered as a delusion if it is so extreme that it cannot be, or never can be proven true. For example: a man claiming that he flew into the sun and flew back home. This would be considered a delusion,[4] unless he was speaking figuratively. Types[edit] Delusions are categorized into four different groups: • Bizarre delusion: A delusion that is very strange and completely implausible; an example of a bizarre delusion would be that aliens have removed the reporting person's brain. • Non-bizarre delusion: A delusion that, though false, is at least possible, e.g., the affected person mistakenly believes that he is under constant police surveillance. • Mood-congruent delusion: Any delusion with content consistent with either a depressive or manic state, e.g., a depressed person believes that news anchors on television highly disapprove of him, or a person in a manic state might believe she is a powerful deity. • Mood-neutral delusion: A delusion that does not relate to the sufferer's emotional state; for example, a belief that an extra limb is growing out of the back of one's head is neutral to either depression or mania.[5] Themes[edit] In addition to these categories, delusions often manifest according to a consistent theme. Although delusions can have any theme, certain themes are more common. Some of the more common delusion themes are: • Delusion of control: This is a false belief that another person, group of people, or external force controls one's general thoughts, feelings, impulses, or behavior.[5] • Cotard delusion: This is a false belief that one does not exist or has died.[6] • Delusional jealousy: A person with this delusion falsely believes that a spouse or lover is having an affair, with no proof to back up their claim.[5] • Delusion of guilt or sin (or delusion of self-accusation): This is an ungrounded feeling of remorse or guilt of delusional intensity.[5] • Delusion of mind being read: The false belief that other people can know one's thoughts.[5] • Delusion of thought insertion: The belief that another thinks through the mind of the person.[5] • Delusion of reference: The person falsely believes that insignificant remarks, events, or objects in one's environment have personal meaning or significance.[5] • Erotomania A delusion in which someone falsely believes another person is in love with them.[5] • Grandiose religious delusion: The belief that the affected person is a god, or chosen to act as a god.[7][8] • Somatic delusion: A delusion whose content pertains to bodily functioning, bodily sensations, or physical appearance. Usually the false belief is that the body is somehow diseased, abnormal, or changed.[5] A specific example of this delusion is delusional parasitosis: a delusion in which one feels infested with insects, bacteria, mites, spiders, lice, fleas, worms, or other organisms. Affected individuals may also report being repeatedly bitten. In some cases, entomologists are asked to investigate cases of mysterious bites. Sometimes physical manifestations may occur including skin lesions.[9] • Delusion of poverty: The person strongly believes that he is financially incapacitated. Although this type of delusion is less common now, it was particularly widespread in the days before state support.[10] Grandiose delusions[edit] Main article: Grandiose delusions Grandiose delusions are distinct from grandiosity, in that the sufferer does not have insight into his loss of touch with reality. An individual is convinced he has special powers, talents, or abilities. Sometimes, the individual may actually believe they are a famous person or character. Grandiose delusions or delusions of grandeur are principally a subtype of delusional disorder but could possibly feature as a symptom of schizophrenia and manic episodes of bipolar disorder.[11] Grandiose delusions are characterized by fantastical beliefs that one is famous, omnipotent, or otherwise very powerful. The delusions are generally fantastic, often with asupernatural, science-fictional, or religious bent. In colloquial usage, one who overestimates one's own abilities, talents, stature or situation is sometimes said to have 'delusions of grandeur'. This is generally due to excessive pride, rather than any actual delusions. Grandiose delusions or delusions of grandeur can also be associated with megalomania.[citation needed] Persecutory delusions[edit] Main article: Persecutory delusion Persecutory delusions are the most common type of delusions and involve the theme of being followed, harassed, cheated, poisoned or drugged, conspired against, spied on, attacked, or otherwise obstructed in the pursuit of goals. Persecutory delusions are a condition in which the affected person wrongly believes that they are being persecuted. Specifically, they have been defined as containing three central elements:[12][page needed] The individual thinks that 1. harm is occurring, or is going to occur. 2. the persecutor(s) has(have) the intention to cause harm. 3. they are constantly being prejudged or profiled. According to the DSM-IV-TR, persecutory delusions are the most common form of delusions in schizophrenia, where the person believes they are "being tormented, followed, sabotaged, tricked, spied on, or ridiculed."[13] In the DSM-IV-TR, persecutory delusions are the main feature of the persecutory type of delusional disorder. When the focus is to remedy some injustice by legal action, they are sometimes called "querulous paranoia".[14] Diagnosis[edit] The modern definition and Jaspers' original criteria have been criticised, as counter-examples can be shown for every defining feature. Studies on psychiatric patients show that delusions vary in intensity and conviction over time, which suggests that certainty and incorrigibility are not necessary components of a delusional belief.[15] Delusions do not necessarily have to be false or 'incorrect inferences about external reality'.[16] Some religious or spiritual beliefs by their nature may not be falsifiable, and hence cannot be described as false or incorrect, no matter whether the person holding these beliefs was diagnosed as delusional or not.[17] In other situations the delusion may turn out to be true belief.[18] For example,delusional jealousy, where a person believes that their partner is being unfaithful (and may even follow them into the bathroom believing them to be seeing their lover even during the briefest of partings) may result in the faithful partner being driven to infidelity by the constant and unreasonable strain put on them by their delusional spouse. In this case the delusion does not cease to be a delusion because the content later turns out to be true. In other cases, the delusion may be assumed to be false by a doctor or psychiatrist assessing the belief, because it seemsto be unlikely, bizarre or held with excessive conviction. Psychiatrists rarely have the time or resources to check the validity of a person’s claims leading to some true beliefs to be erroneously classified as delusional.[19] This is known as the Martha Mitchell effect, after the wife of the attorney general who alleged that illegal activity was taking place in the White House. At the time her claims were thought to be signs of mental illness, and only after the Watergate scandal broke was she proved right (and hence sane). Similar factors have led to criticisms of Jaspers' definition of true delusions as being ultimately 'un-understandable'. Critics (such as R. D. Laing) have argued that this leads to the diagnosis of delusions being based on the subjective understanding of a particular psychiatrist, who may not have access to all the information that might make a belief otherwise interpretable. R.D. Laing's hypothesis has been applied to some forms of projective therapy to "fix" a delusional system so that it cannot be altered by the patient. Psychiatric researchers at Yale University, Ohio State University and the Community Mental Health Center of Middle Georgia have used novels and motion picture films as the focus. Texts, plots and cinematography are discussed and the delusions approached tangentially.[20] This use of fiction to decrease the malleability of a delusion was employed in a joint project by science-fiction author Philip Jose Farmer and Yale psychiatrist A. James Giannini. They wrote the novel Red Orc's Rage, which, recursively, deals with delusional adolescents who are treated with a form of projective therapy. In this novel's fictional setting other novels written by Farmer are discussed and the characters are symbolically integrated into the delusions of fictional patients. This particular novel was then applied to real-life clinical settings.[21] Another difficulty with the diagnosis of delusions is that almost all of these features can be found in "normal" beliefs. Many religious beliefs hold exactly the same features, yet are not universally considered delusional. These factors have led the psychiatrist Anthony David to note that "there is no acceptable (rather than accepted) definition of a delusion."[22] In practice, psychiatrists tend to diagnose a belief as delusional if it is either patently bizarre, causing significant distress, or excessively pre-occupying the patient, especially if the person is subsequently unswayed in belief by counter-evidence or reasonable arguments. It is important to distinguish true delusions from other symptoms such as anxiety, fear, or paranoia. To diagnose delusions a mental state examination may be used. This test includes appearance, mood, affect, behavior, rate and continuity of speech, evidence of hallucinations or abnormal beliefs, thought content, orientation to time, place and person, attention andconcentration, insight and judgment, as well as short-term memory.[23] Johnson-Laird suggests that delusions may be viewed as the natural consequence of failure to distinguish conceptual relevance. That is, the person takes irrelevant information and puts it in the form of disconnected experiences, then it is taken to be relevant in a manner that suggests false causal connections. Furthermore, the person takes the relevant information, in the form of counterexamples, and ignores it.[24] Development of specific delusions[edit] The top two factors mainly concerned in the germination of delusions are: 1. Disorder of brain functioning; and 2. background influences of temperament and personality.[25] Higher levels of dopamine qualify as a symptom of disorders of brain function. That they are needed to sustain certain delusions was examined by a preliminary study on delusional disorder (a psychotic syndrome) instigated to clarify if schizophrenia had a dopamine psychosis.[26] There were positive results - delusions of jealousy and persecution had different levels of dopamine metabolite HVA and Homovanillyl alcohol (which may have been genetic). These can be only regarded as tentative results; the study called for future research with a larger population. It is too simplistic to say that a certain measure of dopamine will bring about a specific delusion. Studies show age[27][28] and gender to be influential and it is most likely that HVA levels change during the life course of some syndromes.[29] On the influence personality, it has been said: "Jaspers considered there is a subtle change in personality due to the illness itself; and this creates the condition for the development of the delusional atmosphere in which the delusional intuition arises."[30] Cultural factors have "a decisive influence in shaping delusions".[31] For example, delusions of guilt and punishment are frequent in a Western, Christian country like Austria, but not in Pakistan - where it is more likely persecution.[32] Similarly, in a series of case studies, delusions of guilt and punishment were found in Austrian patients with Parkinson's being treated with l-dopa - a dopamine agonist.[33] Causes[edit] See also: Psychosis (causes) To define delusional thinking in a specific patient, it is important to consult a local psychiatrist who can make a thorough examination before diagnosing the problem.[34] Explaining the causes of delusions continues to be challenging and several theories have been developed. One is the genetic or biological theory, which states that close relatives of people with delusional disorder are at increased risk of delusional traits. Another theory is the dysfunctional cognitive processing, which states that delusions may arise from distorted ways people have of explaining life to themselves. A third theory is called motivated or defensive delusions. This one states that some of those persons who are predisposed might suffer the onset of delusional disorder in those moments when coping with life and maintaining high self-esteem becomes a significant challenge. In this case, the person views others as the cause of their personal difficulties in order to preserve a positive self-view.[35] This condition is more common among people who have poor hearing or sight. Also, ongoing stressors have been associated with a higher possibility of developing delusions. Examples of such stressors are immigration or low socio-economic status.[36] Researcher, Orrin Devinsky, MD, from the NYU Langone Medical Center, performed a study that revealed a consistentpattern of injury to the frontal lobe and right hemisphere of the human brain in patients with certain delusions and brain disorders. Devinsky explains that the cognitive deficits caused by those injuries to the right hemisphere, results in the over compensation by the left hemisphere of the brain for the injury, which causes delusions.[37] A study carried out at The Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick, indicated that children who suffered bullyingare more likely to develop psychotic symptoms in early adolescence. The background facts demonstrated that hallucinations and delusions are common in childhood as well as in adulthood and that children who experience such symptoms are more prone to develop psychosis later in life. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the risk of psychotic symptoms, including delusions, was multiplied by two for children who suffered bullying at age eight or ten. The authors remark that bullying can cause chronic stress that may have an effect on a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia and result in setting off the symptoms.[38] Fantasy Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernaturalphenomena as a primary plot element, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic and magical creatures are common. Fantasy is generally distinguished from the genres of science fiction andhorror by the expectation that it steers clear of scientific and macabre themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three, all of which are subgenres of speculative fiction. In popular culture, the fantasy genre is predominantly of the medievalist form, especially since the worldwide success of The Lord of the Rings and related books by J. R. R. Tolkien. In its broadest sense, however, fantasy comprises works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today. Fantasy is a vibrant area of academic study in a number of disciplines (English,cultural studies, comparative literature, history, medieval studies). Work in this area ranges widely, from the structuralist theory of Tzvetan Todorov, which emphasizes the fantastic as a liminal space, to work on the connections (political, historical, literary) between medievalism and popular culture.[1] Traits of fantasy The identifying traits of fantasy are the inclusion of fantastic elements in a self-coherent (internally consistent) setting, where inspiration from mythology andfolklore remains a consistent theme.[2] Within such a structure, any location of the fantastical element is possible: it may be hidden in, or leak into the apparently real world setting, it may draw the characters into a world with such elements, or it may occur entirely in a fantasy world setting, where such elements are part of the world.[3] Essentially, fantasy follows rules of its own making, allowing magic and other fantastic devices to be used and still be internally cohesive.[4] History For more details on this topic, see History of fantasy. See also: Sources of fantasy Beginning perhaps with the Epic of Gilgamesh and the earliest written documents known to humankind, mythic and other elements that would eventually come to define fantasy and its various subgenres have been a part of some of the grandest and most celebrated works of literature. From The Odyssey to Beowulf, from the Mahabharata to The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, from the Iliad to Fengshen Yanyi, from the Ramayana to the Journey to the West, and from theArthurian legend and medieval romance to the epic poetry of the Divine Comedy, fantastical adventures featuring braveheroes and heroines, deadly monsters, and secret arcane realms have inspired many audiences. In this sense, the history of fantasy and the history of literature are inextricably intertwined. There are many works where the boundary between fantasy and other works is not clear; the question of whether the writers believed in the possibilities of the marvels in A Midsummer Night's Dream or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight makes it difficult to distinguish when fantasy, in its modern sense, first began.[5] Although pre-dated by John Ruskin's The King of the Golden River (1841), the history of modern fantasy literature is usually said to begin with George MacDonald, the Scottish author of such novels as The Princess and the Goblin and Phantastes(1858), the latter of which is widely considered to be the first fantasy novel ever written for adults. MacDonald was a major influence on both J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. The other major fantasy author of this era was William Morris, a popular English poet who wrote several novels in the latter part of the century, including The Well at the World's End. Despite MacDonald's future influence with At the Back of the North Wind (1871), Morris's popularity with his contemporaries, and H.G. Wells's The Wonderful Visit (1895), it wasn't until the 20th century that fantasy fiction began to reach a large audience. Lord Dunsany established the genre's popularity in both the novel and the short story form. Many popular mainstream authors also began to write fantasy at this time, including H. Rider Haggard,Rudyard Kipling and Edgar Rice Burroughs. These authors, along with Abraham Merritt, established what was known as the "lost world" sub-genre, which was the most popular form of fantasy in the early decades of the 20th century, although several classic children's fantasies, such as Peter Pan and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, were also published around this time. Indeed, juvenile fantasy was considered more acceptable than fantasy intended for adults, with the effect that writers who wished to write fantasy had to fit their work in a work for children.[6] Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote fantasy in A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys, intended for children,[7] though works for adults only verged on fantasy. For many years, this and successes such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865), created the circular effect that all fantasy works, even the later The Lord of the Rings, were therefore classified as children's literature. Political and social trends can affect a society's reception towards fantasy. In the early 20th century, the New Culture Movement's enthusiasm for Westernization and science in China compelled them to condemn the fantastical shenmo genre of traditional Chinese literature. The spells and magical creatures of these novels were viewed as superstitious and backward, products of a feudal society hindering the modernization of China. Stories of the supernatural continued to be denounced once the Communists rose to power, and mainland China experienced a revival in fantasy only after the Cultural Revolution had ended.[8] Fantasy was a staple genre of pulp magazines published in the West. In 1923, the first all-fantasy fiction magazine, Weird Tales, was created. Many other similar magazines eventually followed, most noticeably The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. The pulp magazine format was at the height of its popularity at this time and was instrumental in bringing fantasy fiction to a wide audience in both the U.S. and Britain. Such magazines were also instrumental in the rise of science fiction, and it was at this time the two genres began to be associated with each other. By 1950, "sword and sorcery" fiction had begun to find a wide audience, with the success of Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian and Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories.[9] However, it was the advent of high fantasy, and most of all J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, which reached new heights of popularity in the late 1960s, that allowed fantasy to truly enter the mainstream.[10] Several other series, such as C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia and Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea books, helped cement the genre's popularity. The popularity of the fantasy genre has continued to increase in the 21st century, as evidenced by the best-selling status ofJ. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series; of George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire sequence; and of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians pentalogy, which focuses on Greek mythology, The Kane Chronicles trilogy, which focuses on Egyptian mythology, and Heroes of Olympus trilogy, which focuses on Greek and Roman mythology. Several fantasy film adaptations have achieved blockbuster status, most notably The Lord of the Rings film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, and the Harry Potter films, currently the highest-grossing film series in cinematic history. Media[edit] Further information: Fantasy art, Fantasy literature, Fantasy film, Fantasy television and Role-playing video game Fantasy is a popular genre, having found a home for itself in almost every medium. While fantasy art and recently fantasy films have been increasingly popular, it is fantasy literature which has always been the genre's primary medium. Fantasy role-playing games cross several different media. Dungeons & Dragons was the first tabletop role-playing game, and remains the most successful and influential.[11][12] The science fantasy role-playing game series Final Fantasy has been an icon of the role-playing video game genre (as of 2012 still among the top ten best-selling video game franchises). The first collectible card game, Magic: The Gathering, has a fantasy theme, and is similarly dominant in the industry.[13] Subgenres Modern fantasy, including early modern fantasy, has also spawned many new subgenres with no clear counterpart in mythology or folklore, although inspiration from mythology and folklore remains a consistent theme. Fantasy subgenres are numerous and diverse, frequently overlapping with other forms of speculative fiction in almost every medium in which they are produced. A couple of examples are the science fantasy and dark fantasy subgenres, which the fantasy genre shares with science fiction and horror, respectively. Subculture Professionals such as publishers, editors, authors, artists, and scholars within the fantasy genre get together yearly at theWorld Fantasy Convention. The World Fantasy Awards are presented at the convention. The first WFC was held in 1975, and it has occurred every year since. The convention is held at a different city each year. Additionally, many science fiction conventions, such as Florida's FX Show and MegaCon, cater to fantasy and horror fans.Anime conventions, such as Ohayocon or Anime Expo frequently feature showings of fantasy, science fantasy, and dark fantasy series and films, such as Majutsushi Orphen (fantasy), Sailor Moon (urban fantasy), Berserk (dark fantasy), andSpirited Away (fantasy). Many science fiction/fantasy and anime conventions also strongly feature or cater to one or more of the several subcultures within the main subcultures, including the cosplay subculture (in which people make and/or wear costumes based on existing or self-created characters, sometimes also acting out skits or plays as well), the fan fictionsubculture, and the fan video or AMV subculture, as well as the large internet subculture devoted to reading and writing prose fiction and/or doujinshi in or related to those genres.

Top 10 Strategies to Improve Your Math Grades mathgoodies.com

Top 10 Strategies to Improve Your Math Grades by Jason Gibson Many students and parents ask for pointers and techniques to best learn Math. Here is my top-10 list which applies to any level of Math. 1) If you don't understand something, focus on mastering that topic before moving on to the next topic. It sounds simple, but it is absolutely essential. Lets say a student is learning Algebra, for example. Further, lets say he or she is having a hard time understanding how to add and subtract negative and positive numbers. All of us struggle with this in the beginning as it is a sticky point for most students. Some students in this situation, out of frustration that they "can't" learn this topic, will move on to the next lesson in the hope that they will be able to understand that one. This is a recipe for disaster. Math is very much like learning to read. If you don't know your letter sounds then you have no hope of being able to sound out words of course there is no way possible that you could read a book. All math courses are taught in a specific sequence because the every topic builds on the previous topic. If you are having a problem with a topic, continue working with that one until you understand it and can work problems successfully. Watch the DVD section over again, attend tutoring, read the book and examples a second time, or even get a totally different book to have it explained a different way...but whatever you do not turn the page and tackle the next topic. If you do, you will get even more frustrated and you in all likelihood will begin to give up hope. 2) Work example problems and check your answers to gain practice with every lesson. The entire premise of the DVD series is to "learn by example" and it is quite simply the easiest way to learn Math. After watching the section on the DVD and reading the section in your textbook, begin working examples from the end of the chapter. Make sure to work the problems that have answers in the back of the book, and check every one. Always begin with the easiest problem in your book, even if you think it will be too "easy" to solve. It is very very important to build your confidence. This is why the DVD lessons begin with easier problems that no one will have any issue understanding. Gradually work harder and harder problems from your book and check your answer for each one. After working a dozen or more problems from the section (two dozen is best), you are ready to move on to the next section. Many students want to plow though a lesson just to make it to the next one. You cannot just read a section in a Math book and become an expert on that section. You must work problems. If you can't work problems then you are not ready to move on. The good news is that working problems will build your confidence, and confidence is 100% the name of the game in Math. 3) When beginning to work a Math problem, do not "map out a path from problem-to-answer" in your head before writing anything down. I see this almost every day. It is very common when someone looks at a Math problem that they try to "figure it out" in their head before writing anything down. Take Algebra for example. When a beginning student looks at an equation, he or she will be tempted to solve the equation in their head and not write anything down. Students are tempted to do this most often with Word Problems. Since a word problem is written in sentence form, it is common to think that you can "think your way to the answer". I will tell you that I never, ever, solve any sort of math problem without writing it down. Ever. What you need to do is begin by first writing down the problem. Then you begin to solve it one step at a time. Write down even the simple things. What you need to ensure is that every single step that you write down is perfectly legal. In other words, if you are solving an equation for example and you subtract "10" from both sides....write that down. Then in the NEXT step actually do that subtraction. Then if you need to divide both sides by "2" write THAT down...then in the NEXT step actually do the division. This gives you a paper trail to check your work and also it allows you to break the problem down in to bite sized chunks. If you can be sure that every single little step is legal, then you will be in good shape. If you try to do too many things at one time, which is common, you will probably try to do something illegal and get into trouble. 4) When you study and do homework, try to find a quiet place to do it. I was the worst offender of this while in school. I used to listen to music all of the time while trying to do homework. I'd also listen to the TV as 'background noise" while studying. Over time I realized that if I had a quiet place without the background noise, I could focus much better. What I found is that when reading, for example...I would have to read something perhaps 3 or 4 times if I was listening to something else but only once if I had some quiet. People love to listen to music while studying, but I am convinced that it is much more effective if you don't. Try to find a quiet spot in your home or in the Library to get your schoolwork done and you will get your work done much more quickly because you'll be able to focus and absorb more. 5) If someone asks you for help, try to explain the topic to them as best you can. This one is going to seem a little odd for this list...but there is one universal truth. Those who can teach others have a true grasp of the material. Many times when studying in groups there will be one member of the group who is behind and doesn't "get it". Try to help that person, even if your own work will take longer. Not only will you feel like you are helping someone else succeed, but the process of rephrasing information back to someone else and breaking things down into bite sized chunks will increase your own understanding. It will help you understand at a fundamental level what the stumbling blocks are for the topic, which will help you as you move on in your math studies. 6) Never, ever work math problems in pen. This one is pretty simple. You will make a mistake; it is only a matter of time. When you do, you will want to completely erase your mistake and write over it. You will never, ever want to scratch something out and write next to the scratch-out. This will lead to a paper that is hard to read, and the scratch-outs will actually increase your anxiety about solving these problems. You want clean-neat paper with a clean well thought-out solution. 7) Try to use a mechanical pencil with separate eraser, if you can. Mechanical pencils have cleaner lines and the separate eraser allows you to erase more cleanly. Nothing is worse than making a mistake and trying to erase something then just smearing that all around your page. The cheap erasers will do this and make your life hard. Invest in a good mechanical pencil and a good separate eraser. 8) Keep your solutions neat and line-by-line. Always work problems vertically, with one step on every line. Never work horizontally. It may take more paper, but you will be able to follow your steps much more easily. More importantly, the teacher will be able to follow your work much better which allows him/her to give you partial credit. If there are just 2 steps when there should be 10, you will not be getting any points for your thought process. The steps you write down tell the teacher what you are thinking and how you are attacking the problem. 9) Don't work problems very late at night. I know all of the college students will be laughing at this, but it is true. I have tried many, many times to do Calculus or Physics late at night, after 12 or 1am, but you are just doing yourself a disservice. I have stared at problems for hours because I just could not sleep until I knew how to solve it...then I finally fell asleep out of extreme fatigue...but when I woke up it just seemed so simple how to proceed with the problem. Also, I have worked problems at night and got the wrong answer, and I knew I must have a silly mistake in the solution. I would usually set out to find it, but many times when you are tired you simply can't find the silly mistake. The next morning after about 5 minutes I could spot the simple sign error or even a simple multiplication error that caused the problem. 10) If the problem lends itself to it, draw a picture of the problem. This is most applicable for Trigonometry, Calculus, and Physics Students, but also applies to any word problem in basic math or algebra. Please do yourself a favor and draw a picture of what the problem is describing, even if your picture is simple. We are visual beings...the process of drawing the situation causes us to internalize what the problem is really asking for. It helps figure out how to proceed. If you are in Physics, you should draw a picture for every single problem that you work out. If you are in Calculus, definitely draw pictures for all related rate problems. If you are in Calculus 2 or Calculus 3, definitely draw a picture of all of your 3-dimensional problems (3d integrals). If you are in basic math and Jenny gives Bob 2 pencils and Bob gives 1 pencil away, draw that situation. It will really help you figure out how to proceed. Remember, there is no silver bullet in learning Math. It comes with taking things one step at a time and with practice. The tips above will help you along in your math studies, and give you confidence. And confidence is 100% the name of the game in learning any level of Math. Jason Gibson is the founder of MathTutorDVD.com. You can view his extensive background and education here.

Top 10 Strategies to Improve Your Math Grades mathgoodies.com

Top 10 Strategies to Improve Your Math Grades by Jason Gibson Many students and parents ask for pointers and techniques to best learn Math. Here is my top-10 list which applies to any level of Math. 1) If you don't understand something, focus on mastering that topic before moving on to the next topic. It sounds simple, but it is absolutely essential. Lets say a student is learning Algebra, for example. Further, lets say he or she is having a hard time understanding how to add and subtract negative and positive numbers. All of us struggle with this in the beginning as it is a sticky point for most students. Some students in this situation, out of frustration that they "can't" learn this topic, will move on to the next lesson in the hope that they will be able to understand that one. This is a recipe for disaster. Math is very much like learning to read. If you don't know your letter sounds then you have no hope of being able to sound out words of course there is no way possible that you could read a book. All math courses are taught in a specific sequence because the every topic builds on the previous topic. If you are having a problem with a topic, continue working with that one until you understand it and can work problems successfully. Watch the DVD section over again, attend tutoring, read the book and examples a second time, or even get a totally different book to have it explained a different way...but whatever you do not turn the page and tackle the next topic. If you do, you will get even more frustrated and you in all likelihood will begin to give up hope. 2) Work example problems and check your answers to gain practice with every lesson. The entire premise of the DVD series is to "learn by example" and it is quite simply the easiest way to learn Math. After watching the section on the DVD and reading the section in your textbook, begin working examples from the end of the chapter. Make sure to work the problems that have answers in the back of the book, and check every one. Always begin with the easiest problem in your book, even if you think it will be too "easy" to solve. It is very very important to build your confidence. This is why the DVD lessons begin with easier problems that no one will have any issue understanding. Gradually work harder and harder problems from your book and check your answer for each one. After working a dozen or more problems from the section (two dozen is best), you are ready to move on to the next section. Many students want to plow though a lesson just to make it to the next one. You cannot just read a section in a Math book and become an expert on that section. You must work problems. If you can't work problems then you are not ready to move on. The good news is that working problems will build your confidence, and confidence is 100% the name of the game in Math. 3) When beginning to work a Math problem, do not "map out a path from problem-to-answer" in your head before writing anything down. I see this almost every day. It is very common when someone looks at a Math problem that they try to "figure it out" in their head before writing anything down. Take Algebra for example. When a beginning student looks at an equation, he or she will be tempted to solve the equation in their head and not write anything down. Students are tempted to do this most often with Word Problems. Since a word problem is written in sentence form, it is common to think that you can "think your way to the answer". I will tell you that I never, ever, solve any sort of math problem without writing it down. Ever. What you need to do is begin by first writing down the problem. Then you begin to solve it one step at a time. Write down even the simple things. What you need to ensure is that every single step that you write down is perfectly legal. In other words, if you are solving an equation for example and you subtract "10" from both sides....write that down. Then in the NEXT step actually do that subtraction. Then if you need to divide both sides by "2" write THAT down...then in the NEXT step actually do the division. This gives you a paper trail to check your work and also it allows you to break the problem down in to bite sized chunks. If you can be sure that every single little step is legal, then you will be in good shape. If you try to do too many things at one time, which is common, you will probably try to do something illegal and get into trouble. 4) When you study and do homework, try to find a quiet place to do it. I was the worst offender of this while in school. I used to listen to music all of the time while trying to do homework. I'd also listen to the TV as 'background noise" while studying. Over time I realized that if I had a quiet place without the background noise, I could focus much better. What I found is that when reading, for example...I would have to read something perhaps 3 or 4 times if I was listening to something else but only once if I had some quiet. People love to listen to music while studying, but I am convinced that it is much more effective if you don't. Try to find a quiet spot in your home or in the Library to get your schoolwork done and you will get your work done much more quickly because you'll be able to focus and absorb more. 5) If someone asks you for help, try to explain the topic to them as best you can. This one is going to seem a little odd for this list...but there is one universal truth. Those who can teach others have a true grasp of the material. Many times when studying in groups there will be one member of the group who is behind and doesn't "get it". Try to help that person, even if your own work will take longer. Not only will you feel like you are helping someone else succeed, but the process of rephrasing information back to someone else and breaking things down into bite sized chunks will increase your own understanding. It will help you understand at a fundamental level what the stumbling blocks are for the topic, which will help you as you move on in your math studies. 6) Never, ever work math problems in pen. This one is pretty simple. You will make a mistake; it is only a matter of time. When you do, you will want to completely erase your mistake and write over it. You will never, ever want to scratch something out and write next to the scratch-out. This will lead to a paper that is hard to read, and the scratch-outs will actually increase your anxiety about solving these problems. You want clean-neat paper with a clean well thought-out solution. 7) Try to use a mechanical pencil with separate eraser, if you can. Mechanical pencils have cleaner lines and the separate eraser allows you to erase more cleanly. Nothing is worse than making a mistake and trying to erase something then just smearing that all around your page. The cheap erasers will do this and make your life hard. Invest in a good mechanical pencil and a good separate eraser. 8) Keep your solutions neat and line-by-line. Always work problems vertically, with one step on every line. Never work horizontally. It may take more paper, but you will be able to follow your steps much more easily. More importantly, the teacher will be able to follow your work much better which allows him/her to give you partial credit. If there are just 2 steps when there should be 10, you will not be getting any points for your thought process. The steps you write down tell the teacher what you are thinking and how you are attacking the problem. 9) Don't work problems very late at night. I know all of the college students will be laughing at this, but it is true. I have tried many, many times to do Calculus or Physics late at night, after 12 or 1am, but you are just doing yourself a disservice. I have stared at problems for hours because I just could not sleep until I knew how to solve it...then I finally fell asleep out of extreme fatigue...but when I woke up it just seemed so simple how to proceed with the problem. Also, I have worked problems at night and got the wrong answer, and I knew I must have a silly mistake in the solution. I would usually set out to find it, but many times when you are tired you simply can't find the silly mistake. The next morning after about 5 minutes I could spot the simple sign error or even a simple multiplication error that caused the problem. 10) If the problem lends itself to it, draw a picture of the problem. This is most applicable for Trigonometry, Calculus, and Physics Students, but also applies to any word problem in basic math or algebra. Please do yourself a favor and draw a picture of what the problem is describing, even if your picture is simple. We are visual beings...the process of drawing the situation causes us to internalize what the problem is really asking for. It helps figure out how to proceed. If you are in Physics, you should draw a picture for every single problem that you work out. If you are in Calculus, definitely draw pictures for all related rate problems. If you are in Calculus 2 or Calculus 3, definitely draw a picture of all of your 3-dimensional problems (3d integrals). If you are in basic math and Jenny gives Bob 2 pencils and Bob gives 1 pencil away, draw that situation. It will really help you figure out how to proceed. Remember, there is no silver bullet in learning Math. It comes with taking things one step at a time and with practice. The tips above will help you along in your math studies, and give you confidence. And confidence is 100% the name of the game in learning any level of Math. Jason Gibson is the founder of MathTutorDVD.com. You can view his extensive background and education here.

maths

How to Get a Good Grade on a Math test Many students find that math is the hardest subject in school probably because you learn a lot of things in a small amount of time, and because numbers are "another language" and your horizons on this language are constantly expanding. A few tips for improving your grade in Math are listed below, so read on! 1 Go to class. While you can get away with that in some subjects, math is like a ladder. If a rung is missing, or if you don't get a good grip on it, you'll struggle to reach the next rung. If enough rungs are missing, it will be impossible to climb higher. In addition, teachers often emphasize the most important topics in class, so come test time you'll know exactly what to study. 2 Sit in the front row and participate in class. By sitting in the front row, distractions are minimized and performance heightened. Asking questions or providing answers helps the student to stay engaged in the learning process, this improving attentiveness and retention of materials learned. 3 Do your homework. Homework may seem like torture, but it's really designed to help you learn. The key to learning math is repetition: do enough problems with the quadratic formula, and you'll eventually be able to recite it in your sleep. Plus, as you do your homework, you'll be able to identify concepts you don't understand. It also doesn't hurt that test questions are often based on the homework assignments. 4 Ask questions. OK, so you did your homework, but you still don't understand how to factor a polynomial. Go ahead and ask your teacher, TA, professor--even other students may be able to help. There's no such thing as a stupid question, and if you think it's embarrassing to ask a question imagine how you'll feel when you get a big red "F" on the exam. Everybody has questions about math; successful students ask theirs. 5 Review before the test. Good job! You went to class, did your homework, and got your questions answered. Now, the test is tomorrow. Do you a) breathe a sigh of relief and go to bed; b) turn on the TV and watch The Simpsons; or c) review what you've learned? That's right, it's time to review. This is not the time for cramming, however; you're better prepared than that anyway. Go over your notes, take practice tests, and make sure you have important formulas memorized. Of course, you could just watch The Simpsons, but don't be surprised if your grades turn out more like Bart's than like Lisa's! 6 Relax. Make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before the test. You'll feel better and think more clearly if you're well rested. Right before taking your test, look over the important formulas one last time, but other than that, you're done preparing. Remember, you're ready for this, and no matter what happens it's not the end of the world. I find chewing gum helps - if your school allows it, of course. 7 Pace yourself. Once you have your exam in front of you, look it over to see how many questions there are and what kind of questions are included. This will give you an idea of how much time you can spend on each problem. If you get stuck on a question, move on to the next one and come back later. Sometimes a later question will even jog your memory so that you can answer the one you skipped. Most importantly, don't rush yourself. 8 Pay attention to neatness. Any math teacher will tell you that sloppy work is the test-taker's worst enemy. Even if you know the material cold, a smudged digit here or a forgotten negative sign there can ruin an entire problem. If you make a mistake, use your eraser--that's what it's there for. 9 Check your work. Great, you finished the test with plenty of time. Don't turn it in yet, though! Good test-takers make mistakes all the time, but they find them and fix them before they hand in their exams. I can't stress this enough - you will always find a mistake somewhere. Anyways, depending on what kind of problems you're doing, your teacher will probably give you some hints on how to check your work. In general, though, carefully reread each question and ask yourself if your answers make sense. You still may not get every problem right, but you'll increase your chances of success exponentially. Always verify your answers one or two times after writing exam.Read the question two/three times before writing the exam.Do not make tensions in your mind while writing an exam.This will lead to you forgetting your answers

Your Giftedness and Calling

Your Giftedness and Calling At Moody Publishers, our goal is to serve you, the Church Leader, which is why we've asked our author, Bill Hendricks, to write 350 words on Giftedness and Calling. May you be encouraged this post-Sunday morning. "So, pastor, how do I find my calling?" We all know the answer to that one: search Scripture, pray for guidance, and seek godly counsel. At least, that's the common answer. Is it the right answer? Better yet, does it work? Well, Gallup finds that 70 percent of workers are not "engaged" with their work. They feel no emotional attachment to it or meaning in it. Meanwhile, Barna finds that 60 percent of active Christians have no clear sense of what God wants them to do with their life. So are we giving people the right answer to the calling question? Let me suggest an alternative that actually does work—and is also biblical. There's nothing wrong with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel. Those are indispensable! But Ephesians 2:10 says each of us is a piece of workmanship—a made thing, a crafted thing. We're like a piece of pottery. And since it's God's hands on the clay, we're a masterpiece ("I am fearfully and wonderfully made!"). But potters shape clay into functional vessels that have a purpose. Shape the piece one way, it's perfect for holding bread or grain. Shape it another way, it's perfect for holding wine or water. Shape it yet another way, it's perfect for holding oil and a wick to make a lantern. The design features prepare the vessel to do what Paul calls good works. Not just generic good works, but specific good works tied to the nature of the workmanship. God has designed every person to do certain kinds of good works. So if we help someone figure out their workmanship, they then have a lot of clues as to what good works God intends them to do. In short, we help them discover their calling. To change metaphors: hammers are called to drive nails, screwdrivers to drive screws, and saws to saw wood. Every tool is designed for a purpose. That purpose is the tool's calling. "So, pastor, how do I find my calling?" The answer is (or should be): let’s first figure out how God has designed you. Then we’ll know a great deal about what He’s called you to do. Bill Hendricks is President of The Giftedness Center, a Dallas-based consulting firm devoted to helping individuals think through strategic life and career decisions. He is the author or coauthor of 22 books. Information about his work is available at www.thegiftednesscenter.com. Check out his blog at BillHendricks.net.

[New post] 40 days all apps $1.99

New post on STUDIES WITH DR. ML-J 40 days all apps $1.99 by Kingfisher From now until Easter I am trying to walk 200 miles. 4 - 5 miles a day takes me a little over an hour. I've been listening to the good Dr. preach on the Sermon on the Mount every step of the way. He is awesome. I wish he had recorded it himself because I like his accent. However, he didn't and so with the kind permission of the publisher and his family, we did. The book is full of incredible thoughts and doctrine, like nothing I have ever read before. If your heart is open, it is a life changer. This 40 day walk will allow me to read and hear it again, and I am grateful. As you prepare for Easter Day April 20 I hope you will hear what Dr. Lloyd-Jones has to share. Not because your purchase of the apps defrays the cost to create them, but because you can't help but be a better Christian after you hear him. What the world needs now, is more Christians....living as Christians should. For people to know how wonderful this book is, we need more ratings and reviews. I hope you will take a minute and rate it or write a short review. Thanks and God bless you, Chris Kingfisher | March 9, 2014 at 12:01 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p2yobZ-hr Comment See all comments Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from STUDIES WITH DR. ML-J. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://kingfisheraudio.net/2014/03/09/40-days-all-apps-1-99/

Second Year of Devotionals for RayStedman.org -- Thank you!

Second Year of Devotions for RayStedman.org -- Thank you! Ray Stedman Ministries Praise Report View this email in your browser Friends of Ray Stedman Ministries, We want to thank you for your partnership in this ministry, and share some exciting news. First, we received a donation of 25,000 dollars which is allowing us to create a second year of devotionals. Immeasurably More, will be on our website in early 2014. Here is the month of February Isaiah: The Farseeing Prophet. Second, all devotionals are being translated into Spanish and Chinese thanks to your support. This will allow them to reach nearly one-third of the world's population in their native language — a staggering reality! Rejoice with us and worship our powerful God for what He is doing! Here are two of the many encouraging comments we've received: Thank you for providing these devotionals and audios of Ray Stedman. I have experienced a much closer walk with Christ. I look forward now to my morning devotional time and often feel like the lesson was prepared just for me! — Al M., Miami My studies of these messages make things so clear. I am overwhelmed — it has literally turned my inner lifestyle upside down. Ray's teaching keeps on changing my views about Christianity, my relationship with the Lord and the way I treat others and myself. May God bless you. — Elena, Russian Student Currently, www.RayStedman.org, reaches nearly 7,000 visitors per day as our ministry family continues to grow. You can further this growth simply by telling your friends about us, and when using social networks — here's how: Facebook: point your friends to content you like by using the "Share" button Google+: inform your Google+ circle of friends with the "G+" button Blogs: whenever you blog include hyperlinks to our website as appropriate Websites: please include a hyperlink to our website from other church or ministry websites. Here's a link www.RayStedman.org/daily-devotions that always leads to the devotion for the day Ray Stedman Ministries is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and is committed to offering these transformational teachings without cost. God enables this through your faithful prayers and financial support. We are trusting the Lord for His provision and He is honoring that trust. Please continue praying, and as the Lord leads consider strengthening the global impact of this ministry with either a legacy gift or a monthly contribution. Thank you for your involvement with us, and for subscribing to these daily devotionals. Now, your personal and purposeful use of social networks can make a further impact for the gospel, just at the time when the second devotional is nearing release. We are so grateful! Your stewards in the gospel, Don Broesamle, Rich Carlson, Mark Mitchell, Greg Sims and Jimmy Stewart Board of Directors, Ray Stedman Ministries Ray Stedman Ministries; PO Box 615; Mount Hermon, CA; Phone: 831-334-1886 Don Broesamle, Executive Director -- Don@RayStedman.org

Announcing an Exciting New Chapter in My Ministry

Dear Friends, It gives me great joy to announce we are giving Don Moen and Friends a brand new name. DMaF will now be called Worship In Action. Worship is more than the songs we sing. Worship is not only lifting our hands up to God, but also reaching out to those in need, touching people with God’s presence in practical and tangible ways. The name Worship In Action more clearly describes what we have always done through Don Moen and Friends…putting our worship into action. As I’ve traveled around the world leading worship, I’ve experienced great blessings but have also seen great need, and I want to be able to do something to bring hope to those who have lost hope. On one of my trips to Accra, Ghana I visited a beautiful home for orphans called Royal Seed Home. One little girl, Gifty, touched my heart so profoundly that I knew God wanted me to do something long-term to help. Local people found Gifty abandoned in a garbage bag, and took her to Royal Seed Home where she lived until an American family adopted her. Gifty's story stays with me every day, as does the burden to provide food for the 190+ children who continue to live at Royal Seed. We have spent many months in prayer and preparation to launch Worship In Action. Our goal for this 501C-3 non-profit charity is simply to bring the love of God and his presence in practical and tangible ways to people in need. I sincerely appreciate how you have stood with me through the years and ask you to continue to do so through Worship In Action. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our new website: www.worshipinaction.org. Thanks for joining me! Blessings Always, Don