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the best gaming magazine I have encountered thus far. very up to date gaming information, tips, reader feedback, player of the month. it’s great, I’m a faithful game informer reader.

PICTURES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Photos that Changed the World

PHOTOSTHATCHANGEDTHEWORLD.COM OR PTCTW.COM

Starving Child Vulture

5 year old Mother

The Baby Hand

Tsunami Floating Bodies

Afghan Girl

The Boston Fire

Oklahoma City bombing

VISIT THE SITE TO SEE MANY MANY MORE PICTURES THAT CHANGE THE WORLD, INCLUDING FIRST XRAYS, FIRST PICTURE ON THE INTERNET, HOW LIFE BEGINS. GREAT PICTURES

BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY

GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Gifts by Occasion

Anniversary

Baby Shower

Baptism

Bar Mitzvah

Bat Mitzvah

Birthday

Breakup / Divorce

Confirmation

Family Reunion

First Communion

GraduatioN

House Warming

New Baby

Promotion

Retirement

Wedding

THERE ARE MANY MORE LINKS ON THIS PAGE TO GREAT GIFT IDEAS, STOP RUNNING ALL OVER CREATION AND JUST GO ONLINE TO THIS WEBSITE. SHOPPING MADE EASY

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

FOTOSCAPE.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY OF CONRAD OLIVIER

landfill in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Steung Meanchey landfill

As we navigated on foot to reach the summit of the landfill, one’s
clothing and shoes were covered in the dioxin laden mud. (at least I
had shoes on) As the fresh loads of trash arrived, the ‘earth’ we stood
upon quaked as the trucks drove by through the 15″ of ‘mud’ – a few
poorly placed steps, and I found myself pleading for my friend, Ed, to
help me out as I couldn’t afford to have my shoe suctioned off by the
ten inch hole I’d just created. I then began to envy the children
riding in the compactor section of the garbage truck – no wonder they
were smiling! I would have paid money to ride along with them! Finally,
reaching the ’summit’, the motorcycle drivers we had hired were already
dispensing the rice into little blue bags we had purchased in the
market. Crowd control was no problem. These women and children acted
with amazing dignity – there was no shoving, grabbing, shouting, or
scowling – amazing considering their situation (well maybe a little). I
think it will serve no purpose to attempt to describe the smell and
sense of just being there. There were no fires that day… I’m not sure
why, perhaps it was too damp, however, I understand they set the trash
on fire to alleviate the stench sometimes. Which in turn causes them to
have chronic coughs and headaches with all of that horrific smoke -
imagine plastic and uncontrolled waste of all classifications being
burned…

Most cities have landfills (aka – the place where everything you don’t
want ends up). Most cities don’t allow men, women, and children to live
and work in them, however, some do. I’ve chosen not to ignore the
things I see when I am out in the field. A handfull of people chipped
in to buy a few items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, band aids,
ointment, and rice. It’s not a solution, however, it certainly makes a
difference in these peoples lives. Keep in mind, these people are not
beggars, they are actively working in this landfill – recycling. See
the video clip (6mb) (pardon the shaky camera work ~ ‘it wasn’t me…’)

This transcends child labor issues… it’s far worse than simple lack
of food or starvation. The changes that are needed go beyond aid
funds… the children themselves often are unaware of the surrounding
world. Many of these children are between 12-17, the primary earner’s
for their families… most are not educated as they’ve not had the time
to go to school… the endless cycle repeats itself. Even if they are
given aid, this alleviates the primary problems of food and clothing,
but doesn’t remove them from the very toxic open landfill…
nonetheless, it’s a start. Where will they go if they leave the
landfill? The street… and that life is often not much better or
safer. Even worse, some become victims of the flesh trade.

Perhaps you wish to do something? I will take donations via this site
and will purchase supplies when I return (tentatively in 2009). I think
the number one necessity after rice would be boots/sandals as I noticed
many people including the young boy were without shoes of any sort. 

Contributors to the children of the landfill outside of Phnom Penh:
W. Pookpueng – medical supplies – Bangkok, Thailand
C. Lehmann – cash donation – USA
J. Callender – medical/hygine supplies – tooo generous! USA
S. Patel – cash donation! – USA
R. Lehmann – cash donation – USA
E. Kobak – accompanied me to the landfill and we both distributed the items – thanks!
Chariya S. – talented & lovely Khmer woman who helped us out a lot.

DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED TO HELP THESE OF NEED JUST GO TO THE WEBSITE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PAGE.

REFLECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Using reflections in photography can lead to some
amazing effects and beautiful images. Using water, windows, mirrors or
any sort of reflective surface can change an image into a work of art.
The wonderful thing about using reflections when taking photos is that
they can completely alter the image from something fairly
straightforward to something richer or abstract or otherwise more
artistic. Sometimes reflections can be annoying and certainly not
artistic. But creativity and good-quality photos depend on the
photographer being able to see things differently, rather than seeing
only one part of a larger whole.

Also, using reflected light can vastly improve the
quality of lighting available. Diffused light is generally better for
taking photos, and using reflected light, either as the main source of
light or for highlighting, is an excellent way to capture diffused
light.

Whether you choose to use reflection in an artistic way or as a
source of lightning, learning to use reflections in photography will
help take your photographic skills to the next level.

Below we present over 50 beautiful examples of reflective photography. All examples are linked to their sources. Below, you can also explore other works of the photographers we’ve featured here.

You may also want to take a look at the following related showcases:

Beautiful Black-and-White Photography

35 Fantastic HDR Pictures

(Really) Stunning Pictures and Photos

Let There Be Light: Light Painting and Sculptures

45 Beautiful Motion-Blur Photos

35 Beautiful Examples Of Rain Photography

SHOWCASE OF PHOTOS WITH REFLECTIONS:

Philippe Sainte-Laudy

merriewells

Mik

François Raimbaud

Antti-Jussi Liikala

Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir

Azzam Merchant

Barbara Jones

Julio Salinas

THESE ARE JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA, VISIT THE SITE FOR MORE EXAMPLES AND BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS

EASY ESSAYS

http://www.essayrater.com/

THIS SITE IS GREAT FOR HIGH SCHOOL KIDS, COLLEGE KIDS, OR ANYONE WHO IS ATTENDING SCHOOL AND NEEDS TO WRITE AN ESSAY. IT GRADES YOUR PAPER AND TELLS YOU WHAT IS WRONG. SO THIS WAY, YOU PERFECT YOUR PAPER AND GET AN A. WELL IT ALSO DEPENDS ON WHAT KIND OF TEACHER YOU HAVE, SOME ARE JUST TOO UPTIGHT TO GIVE A’S. EVERYONE WINS RIGHT? HOPEFULLY, GIVE IT A TRY.

HOMEMADE OREO COOKIES

I LIKE ANY OTHER PERSON ENJOY MY OREO COOKIES, WHO AM I KIDDING, I’M NUTS FOR THEM.THE WHOLE CHOCOLATE AND MILK CONCEPT JUST INTRIGUES ME. SO HERE IS A REALLY GREAT RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE OREO COOKIES.

Makes 25 to 30 sandwich cookies

For the chocolate wafers:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar*
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1 large egg

For the filling:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Set two racks in the middle of the oven. Preheat to 375 degrees.
2. In a food processor, or bowl of an electric mixer, thoroughly mix
the flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, salt, and sugar. While
pulsing, or on low speed, add the butter, and then the egg. Continue
processing or mixing until dough comes together in a mass.
3. Take rounded teaspoons of batter and place on a parchment
paper-lined baking sheet approximately 2 inches apart. With moistened
hands, slightly flatten the dough. Bake for 9 minutes, rotating once
for even baking. Set baking sheets on a rack to cool.
4. To make the cream, place butter and shortening in a mixing bowl, and
at low speed, gradually beat in the sugar and vanilla. Turn the mixer
on high and beat for 2-3 minutes until filling is light and fluffy.
5. To assemble the cookies, in a pastry bag with a 1/2 inch, round tip,
pipe teaspoon-size blobs of cream into the center of one cookie. Place
another cookie, equal in size to the first, on top of the cream.
Lightly press, to work the filling evenly to the outsides of the
cookie. Continue this process until all the cookies have been
sandwiched with cream. Dunk generously in a large glass of milk.

* Let’s talk about the sugar for a minute, shall we? This is a sweet
cookie. A good, sweet cookie. Yet, if you think of an actual Oreos, the
wafers are fairly un-sweet and actually on the slightly salty side,
which contrasts with the super-sweetness of the filling bringing
harmony, happiness, yada yada. If you want your cookie closer to that
original, you can take out a full half-cup of the sugar. I usually do.
If you want to make the cookie by itself (as I did a while back for ice cream sandwiches), go ahead and use the full amount.

CONCERT VAULT

GREAT PLACE TO GET CONCERT MUSIC, HAS DIFFERENT GENRES, A VERY WIDE MIX OF MUSIC.

NEVERENDING FAMILY FEUD

SO IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR, THE TIME OF CHRISTMAS, WHEN FAMILIES GET TOGETHER, UNITE AND SHARE GOOD MEMORIES. I WISH I COULD SAY THE SAME FOR MY FAMILY. WE ARE AMONG THOSE FAMILIES WHO ARE SEPARATED, ESTRANGED IF YOU WILL. SOMEONE IS ALWAYS THE BLACK SHEEP, THE SCAPEGOAT AND A DISAPPOINTMENT. SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF THAT PERSON IS ME. I’VE BEEN THE BLACK SHEEP ALL MY LIFE. JUMPING FROM JOB TO JOB, BEING THE WILD PARTY GIRL UP UNTIL I WAS 23 AND OF COURSE…GIVING MY SON UP FOR ADOPTION, EVEN THOUGH I WAS TECHNICALLY FORCED INTO IT. NOW THAT MY SON LIAM IS HERE, I HAVE TO ENDURE THE CONSTANT NAGGING OF HOW TO PARENT MY SON. I HAD TO DEAL WITH IT, WITH MY SON GAVIN AND NOW WITH LIAM. IT FEELS AS IF IT WILL NEVER END. I WILL NEVER BE VIEWED AS AN ADULT, OR COMPETENT ENOUGH TO MAKE MY OWN RIGHT DECISIONS. IT SEEMS AS IF THE ONES I DO MAKE, ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH, OR NOT THE RIGHT ONES, IN EVERYONE ELSE’S THAT IS. I WENT TO MY GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE THIS PAST WEEK, SO SHE COULD SPEND TIME WITH LIAM AND STAYED ABOUT FOUR DAYS. IT WAS THE WORST FOUR DAYS OF MY LIFE. NOT ONLY DID I HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE THINGS THAT I DO WRONG WITH HIM, BUT I ALSO HAD TO ENDURE CONSTANT TALK OF MY SON GAVIN AND HOW HE IS DOING AND ALL ABOUT HIS ADOPTIVE PARENTS. MAYBE IT’S EASIER IF SOME PEOPLE STILL TALK ABOUT THEIR ADOPTED CHILD, OR KEEP IN TOUCH, BUT FOR ME, IT’S EASIER TO PUT IN THE PAST FOR THE TIME BEING AND MOVE ON. I KNOW THAT MAY SOUND COLD, BUT THAT’S NOT WHAT HOW I MEAN IT. I JUST MEAN THAT IT WAS SO HARD FOR ME TO SIGN THOSE PAPERS, EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO AND SO HARD TO LET GO BECAUSE I PUNISH MYSELF EVERYDAY FOR NOT MAYBE DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY. SO THAT’S WHY I HAVE A HARD TIME WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER CONSTANTLY TALKS ABOUT HER VISITS WITH HIM AND HOW HE HAS BECOME A DIFFERENT PERSON. I FEEL THAT LEAVING IT IN THE PAST, ALLOWS ME TO DEAL WITH IT IN A BETTER WAY. EVENTUALLY I WILL HEAL, OR PART OF ME WILL, BUT NOT ALL OF ME. SHE INSISTS ON SHOVING MY FACE INTO HIS NEW LIFE WITH HIS NEW PARENTS AND I HATE THAT, I DON’T THINK IT’S RIGHT! THAT IS JUST KEEPING THE GAPING WOUND OPEN AND CAUSING MORE HURT. NOT TO MENTION I FIND OUT NOW, THAT MR AND MRS. ADOPTIVE PARENTS ARE NOT THAT GREAT OF PARENTS. HIS FATHER SPENDS NO TIME WITH HIM, BUT ALL OF IT FIXING UP HIS NEW HOUSES TO RENT OR SELL. HE HASN’T EVEN DONE FATHERLY THINGS WITH HIM, LIKE SPORTS OR ANYTHING. SO MY SON HAS NO INTEREST IN SPORTS BECAUSE OF THAT. HIS MOTHER WILL COOK DINNER, BUT MAKE FOOD THAT HER AND HER HUSBAND ARE USED TO EATING WHEN THEY DIDN’T HAVE A CHILD AROUND. FOOD YOU WOULDN’T REALLY FEED TO A CHILD, KNOWING IT’S NOT THE KIND OF FOOD THAT KIDS EAT. BUT SHE DOESN’T SEEM BOTHERED BY THAT. IF IT WAS ME, I WOULD MAKE SOMETHING FAMILY FRIENDLY, FOR EVERYONE AND SAVE THE GOOD STUFF FOR AN OCCASION WHERE IT WAS JUST ME AND MY HUSBAND HAVING DINNER. OR WAIT UNTIL HE GOT OLDER TO FEED THIS FOOD TO HIM. THERE ARE JUST CERTAIN WAYS THAT SHE PARENTS THAT MAKES IT SEEM AS IF SHE IS STILL LIVING THE MOTHERLESS LIFE. WHEN YOU HAVE A CHILD, YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE TO ACCOMODATE THEM, BUT SHE HASN’T SEEMED TO DO THAT. ANYHOW, THE VISIT WAS INTERESTING. MY GRANDMOTHER CONSTANTLY BERATED FOR FEEDING MY SON TOO MUCH WHEN THE DOCTOR SAID NOT TO LIMIT HIM BECAUSE THAT IS THE MEANEST THING YOU COULD DO TO A GROWING BABY. AND FEEDING HIM HIS THRUSH MEDICINE TOO MUCH, WHEN I WAS SPECIFICALLY TOLD TO GIVE IT TO HIM FOUR TIMES A DAY AND NOT NECESSARILY EVERY SIX HOURS. SHE WAS CONSTANTLY HANGING OVER MY SHOULDER LIKE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING AND I COULD ONLY TAKE SO MUCH, BECAUSE I WAS NOT GOING TO HAVE MY GRANDMOTHER BUTTING IN BECAUSE SHE HAD NOTHING BETTER TO DO AND ATTEMPT TO TAKE ANOTHER CHILD FROM ME BECAUSE I DON’T PARENT THE WAY SHE USED TO BACK IN THE 50′S. WELL DAYS HAVE CHANGED AND SO HAVE PARENTING STYLES, THE DOCTOR SAYS I AM DOING A BANG UP JOB SO FAR OF BRINGING UP MY SON AND THAT HE LOOKS AMAZING HEALTH WISE. SO DON’T OTHER PEOPLE. IM SURE IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO PARENTS LIKE I DO, NORMALLY, FOLLOWING DOCTORS ORDERS AND MY EVERYDAY ROUTINES. BUT I AM ALWAYS MADE TO FEEL AS IF I AM. I’M SICK OF BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT. I AM 28 YEARS OLD, NOT 14, I DON’T NEED PARENTAL GUIDANCE, OR APPROVAL ANYMORE AND I WON’T LISTEN TO IT IF IT’S JUST A BUNCH OF BULL BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT TO CONTROL ME. I’VE ALWAYS BEEN STUBBORN AND HAD MY OWN MIND AND AGENDA, THAT FORTUNATELY WILL NOT CHANGE, IT IS JUST WHO I AM.