text:
Good Intentions

Variations on “dead men tell no tales” go back at least to 1560 or thereabouts in my language. The idea is much older.1

As advice goes, it’s arguably flawed. Folks who are dead aren’t chatty, but their bodies occasionally pop up at inopportune times.

I’ll be talking about unmarked and unremembered graves, insane asylums, and similarly-uncheerful things. It’s not all bad news, though.

Medicine Before Hippocrates

Someone wrote the Ebers Papyrus, a medical text, around the time Ahmose I was running Egypt. Give or take a few decades.

It was probably copied from older texts. Some of the cures probably weren’t effective, except as placebos.

We still haven’t improved on its treatment for Dracunculiasis: wrapping the worm around a stick.

Incantations like those in the Papyrus, meant to turn away disease-causing demons, aren’t taught in today’s medical schools. That’s just as well, since the magical end of ‘traditional cures’ is a bad idea. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2117)

On the other hand, caring for the sick and dying is a good idea. That includes prayer, sacraments of healing, and scientific research. (Catechism, 14991525, 22922295)

The Ebers Papyrus discusses ailments we recognize as depression and dementia, which brings me to ancient Greece.

We don’t know much about Greek medicine before Hippocrates, apart from what’s in Homer’s Iliad. Dealing with a plague by dedicating a sacrifice to Apollo may show that Greeks thought disease was caused by angry gods.2 That tale is in Iliad, Book I.

Hippocrates and the Huangdi Neijing

Hippocrates of Kos gets credit for starting the idea that diseases come from natural causes, not gods. He thought diseases, including conditions like melancholia, happened when the four humors were out of balance.

The Hippocratic theory of disease, humorism, dominated Western medicine for more than two millennia. Bloodletting, practiced well into the 19th century, was an occasionally-lethal application of humorist theory. (August 21, 2016)

He was on the right track. We’ve found chemical glitches connected with several mental illnesses, including depression.3 (March 19, 2017; September 9, 2016; August 21, 2016)

Folks in ancient Greece and Egypt weren’t the only ones dealing with disease, of course.

The earliest record of the Huangdi Neijing is in the Book of Han’s bibliographic section. That was about 21 centuries back now, but scholars figure Huangdi Neijing was written somewhere between Hippocrates’ time and Gaozu’s.

Like post-Hippocratic Western medicine, Huangdi Neijing assumes that disease has natural causes. What’s different are the forces and principles they say should be in balance, and how to achieve that balance.

Coping With Change

Skipping from Hippocrates to the Roman Empire’s collapse, folks in my ancestral homelands weren’t directly affected. We were on the other side of the Imperial borders.

But we lost a major trade partner. Grain was a major export. So was amber, although that resource came mostly from places east and north of my homelands.

A farmer living between what we call the Cnoc na Teamhrach and Carraig Phádraig might not deal directly with a Roman merchant. But he might trade with someone near the coast who did.

Another of my homelands were apparently ‘off the radar’ for Romans. Half my recent ancestors are the dark-haired folks who lived west of the Gotlanders and north of Jutland. Roman tech in Danish graves makes it likely that Danes served in Rome’s army.

That wouldn’t have mattered much to my forebears living uphill from what would be the site of Clemenskirken and Mariakirken i Oslo. I’d be surprised, though, if some Roman wealth in Scandinavia’s southern march didn’t cross the water. Trade happens.

When the Empire collapsed, we coped; developing new economic systems and new tech.4

The first few centuries were rough. But someone, probably in Hallertau, Bavaria, had developed hops by 736. Hildegard of Bingen discussed them, and I’ll get back to her work.

Maybe hops aren’t as “civilized” as bronze statues, but what can I say? Beer is a very important part of our culture.

Small wine presses had existed for millennia. Monasteries in what’s now France and Germany upgraded Roman designs to deal with the larger quantities of wine they produced. We’d lost the Empire, not the knowledge.

I’ve heard that Gutenberg’s printing press was based on wine press designs, but that’ll wait for another post.

I’d like to say that we developed the first horse collar, but that was an import.

Folks had been making horses pull loads by a strap wrapped around their necks at least since Babylon absorbed Chaldea. The horse’s neck, that is.

Neck straps work, but not very well. Someone in east Asia improved on that design during China’s Warring States period.

Europeans might have started using the new tech sooner, but most east-west trade and communications ended along with Roman authority. We had our hands full, dealing with local and regional issues.

Chinese tech caught on in Scandinavia around 920 AD. Vikings and their knerrir were traders centuries before the Hanseatic League, and that’s another topic.

(From Saharadesertfox, via Wikimedia Commons, used w/o permission)
(Disibodenberg in July 2005.)

Saint Hildegard of Bingen wrote “Physica” and “Causae et Curae,” combining practical knowledge from her work with Disibodenberg’s garden and infirmary with theoretical knowledge gained by studying the monastery’s library.

Folks used Disibodenberg as a quarry after the Reformation hit, re-excavating the ruins in the 1980s. We kept St. Hildegard’s research, though, and kept learning.

Monasteries like Disibodenberg served as education and medical centers in the centuries between Imperial Rome and Bedlam. They still do.

(From William Hogarth, via McCormick Library, Northwestern University/Wikimedia Commons, used w/o permission.)
(Hogarth’s 1735/1763 engraving of Bedlam, from A Rake’s Progress.)

I’d prefer not needing institutional care. But given a choice, I’d rather be sent to the Brothers of Mercy than a place like Bedlam in Hogarth’s day.

“…Many of the poor come into this house of God because the city of Granada is large and very cold, especially now in winter. There are now more than one hundred and ten people living in this house, including the sick, the healthy, the servants and pilgrims. Because the house is open to everyone, it takes in all manner of sick people. There are people with useless limbs, the maimed, the lepers, the dumb, the insane, paralytics, and some who are suffering from cancer….”
(From a letter of St John of God, (Cartas y Escritos 18-19; 48-50) via Pontifical University Saint Thomas Aquinas)

Bethlem(!) Royal Hospital didn’t start as insane asylum. That came after 1300, with good intentions.

“A Church of Our Lady that is named Bedlam. And in that place be found many men that be fallen out of their wit. And full honestly they be kept in that place; and some be restored onto their wit and health again. And some be abiding therein for ever, for they be fallen so much out of themselves that it is incurable unto man”
(William Gregory, Lord Mayor of London, c. 1450; via Wikipedia)

Lunatic asylums started being called psychiatric hospitals after Hogarth’s day, again with good intentions.

Folks don’t visit lunatic asylums for entertainment these days. I don’t know if reality television is an improvement, and that’s yet another topic.

I also don’t know if abuses of comparatively helpless folks are more or less likely when outsiders might pop in for a look.

1. Bodies From the Asylum

(From University of Mississippi, via BBC News, used w/o permission.)
(“Officials discovered the first coffins while building a road in 2013”
(BBC News))

‘7,000 bodies buried’ beneath Mississippi university
(May 8, 2017)

The remains of at least 7,000 people may be buried beneath the University of Mississippi, officials estimate.

“The bodies of the state’s first mental institution – called the Insane Asylum – stretch across 20 acres of campus where administrators want to build.

“Officials predict that it may cost up to $21m (£16m) to exhume and rebury each body – more than $3,000 for each.

The campus medical centre, where the bodies have been discovered, is looking at cheaper alternatives….”

The good news is that at least some of seven-thousand-plus bodies are buried at the U. of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) were in coffins. That wasn’t clear in the first several headlines I saw.

I didn’t know what to expect. The number of corpses argued against this being the work of a mass murderer.

The connection with a medical center, and the size of the sample, suggested that the folks might have used in an experiment. Medical ethics isn’t an oxymoron, and many doctors value their patients’ lives. But I realize that alternative attitudes exist. (October 7, 2016)

Since the university could spend more than $3,000 to exhume and rebury each body using outside facilities, I can understand why they want to keep the job in-house. That would have an added benefit for them:

“…They also hope to create a memorial and laboratory where students can study the patients’ remains, as well as remnants of clothes and wood unearthed in the process….”
(BBC News)

“Respectful Management”

Many folks are understandably uneasy about death and autopsies. The same applies to science and newfangled ideas, which may help explain the lasting popularity of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” tale. (March 31, 2017; August 5, 2016)

Mad scientists have happily-rare counterparts in real life. And death. (October 16, 2016; July 31, 2016)

It looks UMMC wants to do what’s right. UMMC’s director, Ralph Didlake, told a newspaper that “‘We want to show them care and respectful management.’…”

Respect for the dignity of persons is important, and doesn’t stop when we’re dead. Scientific research is a good idea. Autopsies for legal inquests or scientific research are okay. (Catechism, 22922295, 22992301)

I’ve talked about faith and medical science before. Also Lovecraft, autopsies, and ignorance. Since I’m a Catholic, I don’t worry that science will ‘offend the spirits.’ (December 16, 2016; November 11, 2016; July 15, 2016)

2. Digging Up Dozier’s Past

(From BBC News, used w/o permission.)
(“Canine recovery teams search the woods on the Dozier campus”
(BBC News))

Who are the 55 bodies buried at the Dozier school?
Kate Dailey, BBC News (April 16, 2014)

Forensic anthropologists are disinterring the remains of children at a Florida reform school. Former students hope the dig will provide answers about alleged child abuse within the school’s walls.

“Within the past year, anthropologists working for the University of South Florida (USF) have exhumed the remains of 55 children on the grounds of the now-shuttered Arthur G Dozier School for Boys.

“The boys were buried in simple coffins in the Boot Hill cemetery section of the school. The remains were recovered along with items like belt buckles, buttons, and in one case, a marble….”

The oldest part of this institution was renamed “Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys” in 1967, to honor a former superintendent. That is not the sort of honor I’d want.

Florida’s authorities sent boys to this processing center from January 1, 1900, to June 30, 2011. On paper, it was supposed to “reform” them. In practice, some were raped, some killed, some abused in other ways. Allegedly. Some survived.

It’s possible that survivors who talked are lying, but bodies being found say otherwise.

USF’s forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle said her team’s investigation found that some boys died when a fire reached the rooms they’d been locked up in.

Others died when a flu epidemic left them with no food, medicine, or staff. The adults, perhaps understandably, stayed away until it was safe. I think that was a bad idea. (Catechism, 1861, 2258, 22782279)

Some parents got their sons’ bodies back, others didn’t. They were told that their children had been buried, but Dozier staff wouldn’t tell them where.

Old Questions, New Tech

Eventually the parents died, too, leaving relatives with unfinished business.

“…’It’s their desire to have the remains back to bury them next to their parents,’ says Kimmerle of the surviving relatives. ‘It wasn’t something that was an option in the past when the deaths occurred. We feel it’s very important to support them in that effort.’…”
(Kate Dailey, BBC News)

Now that the “school” is closed, folks other than school staff are looking over the grounds. The property is being sold, which gives USF’s forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle until August to find and recover bodies.

That wouldn’t have been possible until recently. Ground-penetrating radar dates back to the early 20th century, but wasn’t practical until the 1970s. The first affordable civilian equipment came in 1985.

Maybe kids killed while the place was in operation will all be found and identified. It’s a step in the right direction.

Leg Irons and Worse

Looking back, it’s easy enough to see what went wrong.

Staff at the “school” weren’t trained adequately. They didn’t get around to telling folks at the state level about assorted beatings, rapes, deaths, and leg irons.

Maybe state bureaucrats felt that ‘no news is good news.’ Maybe they didn’t see a point in telling Dozier staff how to deal with “incorrigible” boys.

I could blame families of kids who disappeared there for not hiring the best lawyers in Florida, but many were at the low end of the economic scale.

I could blame everyone in Florida, but I gather that not many knew about the mess. Besides, Florida isn’t the only place with problems.5

Applying one set of biases, the boys at Dozier and their families are victims. Another set makes them guilty of being ‘of low type.’ I figure they couldn’t afford lawyers, and may not have realized that questioning authorities was an option.

I remember the ‘good old days’ before 1964, when some Americans were still getting over the shock of women voting. Unqualified respect for authority wasn’t nearly as universal, or well-deserved, as some apparently believe. And that’s yet again another topic.

3. Dead and Buried: But Not Quite Forgotten

(Brookdale Cemetery, as it was August 18, 2013. Folks with the local Knights of Columbus had a fence up by then, marking the boundary.)

Abandoned souls?
“Questions linger about history of Brookdale Cemetery”
Bryan Zollman, Sauk Centre Herald (June 19, 2013)

“John Olson was 10 years old when he stood on the grounds of Brookdale Cemetery and watched his father dig a grave for an infant.

“After the grave was dug and the baby’s remains secured in its box and placed in the hole, John’s father refilled the grave. Another man, Bill Johnson, held a bible in his hands and said a short prayer for the baby as John and his father stood nearby. It was just the three of them….”

At least 14 folks are buried here. Most are babies who died at an old “reform school” on Sauk Centre’s north side.

The State Industrial School for Girls (SISG) opened in 1911. The idea was giving “care, training, and education of girls who had been declared delinquent and committed by the courts.” I don’t know how effectively that good intention was carried out.

I’m pretty sure that having a separate facility for girls was an improvement over housing all kids convicted of a crime at the Red Wing Training School for Boys & Girls.

Some kids entered Red Wing when they were eight, and left when they reached 21.6

Severely retarded kids lived at the Sauk Centre Home for Children, a subdivision of the SISG, starting in 1951. SISG had been renamed Home School for Girls by then.

Starting in 1959, Minnesota had a Corrections Department. The Sauk Centre Home School was in its Youth Conservation Division.

In 1967, we were back to putting adolescent boys and girls in the same facility. The place got yet another new name in 1979: Minnesota Home School. From then until it closed in 1999, the place was coed.

I doubt that many folks living on Sauk Centre’s north side, particularly those within easy walking distance of the Home School, miss the place.

It Could Have Been Worse: Or Better

I haven’t looked up the statistics, but every few weeks I’d hear of another “runner” who stole a car.

Local speculation was that the kids knew a good thing when they saw it. They had free room and board, and recreational facilities that occasionally included a stable.

Aside from a comparative lack of privacy and freedom, their standard of living was on a par or better than many Sauk Centre residents. Leaving without permission and stealing a car made an extended stay a near-certainty.

I don’t think conditions at the Home School should have been worse, or that the kids were being pampered. I do think that the system was as imperfect as any other we’ve used, for dealing with youngsters who misbehave.

“Property of the State”

Like I said, most of the folks buried at Brookdale Cemetery are babies.

Some may be young mothers from the old reform school.

“…Pregnant girls were often brought in by train so they could give birth at the reformatory with the agreement that the baby would become property of the state and then put up for adoption….”
(Bryan Zollman, Sauk Centre Herald (June 19, 2013))

Childbirth is far from easy, and some young women were likely enough not in the best health when they arrived in Sauk Centre.

Records of who was buried were lost, somehow.

Grave markers would have helped identify the bodies, but there aren’t any.

Someone, presumably a state employee, took the markers. I don’t know why. Maybe the markers were made of metal, and recyclable.

Ideally, folks like the Ritters would have realized that the government wasn’t reliable, and kept their own records.

That didn’t happen, so now some members of the local Knights of Columbus built a fence, have started mowing the grass, and are trying to reconstruct burial records.

Some records did survive. Many are not available to the general public. Privacy rules say that some personal data must be sealed for 75 years from the date of the last entry.

On the ‘up’ side, Minnesota’s Historical Society has online resources that should help researchers get started.7

Doom, Gloom, and an Upcoming Documentary

I don’t know why so many folks act as if they think gloominess is next to godliness.

Fashionable melancholy isn’t limited to spiritual wannabes.

Pessimism above and beyond the call of reason has been a required attitude for centuries, off and on, for folks with pretensions of high culture.

They’re not the only ones.

The ‘gloominess is next to Godliness’ attitude may account for my culture’s perennial End Times Bible Prophecies and their secular equivalents.

We haven’t had a high-profile one of those for a few years, which doesn’t bother me a bit. (April 9, 2017; February 10, 2017; August 12, 2016; August 7, 2016)

The Reverend T. Robert Malthus offered an alternative to the usual Four Horsemen thing in 1798, with his “An Essay on the Principle of Population.” It’s been as influential, I think, as Johnathan Edward’s 1741 ‘Angry God’ bestseller. (March 5, 2017; February 10, 2017)

I don’t know why so many folks use fear as a motivator.

Maybe scaring folks into supporting an idea is easier than showing that it makes sense. Maybe folks just enjoy feeling insecure.

Malthusian assumptions and angst from Ehrlich’s 1968 “The Population Bomb” bestseller were dusted off again recently:

The headlines are right. That’s a reasonable summary of what Hawing has been saying. What’s new is how much time he says we have left.

I think he may be sincere. He’s also got a new documentary coming on BBC: “Stephen Hawking: Expedition New Earth.” His proclamations of doom are likely to boost the show’s ratings.

I think he has a point: to an extent.

We’re Learning

Epidemics and famines still happen. Thanks to post-Gutenberg information tech, we can be much more aware of them.

We can also deal with them.

Starting in the mid-17th century, rapidly-changing technology and economic systems streamlined growing and distributing food.

Food still isn’t getting to all the folks who need it. But I think it’s a distribution issue.

The new technology isn’t idiot-proof safe.

No technology is safe. Even fire is dangerous if we don’t use our brains.

Living in a dangerous world is nothing new. What’s changing is how much we know about assorted threats, and what we can do.

We’ve been learning that asteroids and comets hit Earth at irregular intervals.

We don’t want a repeat of the last big one.

We couldn’t prevent Chicxulub-level impact with off-the-shelf hardware, but asteroid impact avoidance is a very international effort. I think we have a very good chance of being ready when the next 10-kilometer-wide rock heads our way. (November 4, 2016)

We learned that neonicotinoids, radium, and PCBs aren’t nearly as risk-free as we’d thought. We’ve learned to be careful with radium, started cleaning Flint’s water, and most of us stopped making PCBs. (April 7, 2017; February 17, 2017)

I’ve mentioned Bailey Radium Laboratories’ “Perpetual Sunshine,” patent medicines, and a lead-lined coffin, before. (October 14, 2016)

The point is that we’re learning.

We’ve even seen the last of smallpox, most likely. We’re still discussing whether to keep the few remaining laboratory samples.

I think we should. It looks like smallpox started in African rodents more than a dozen millennia back. Infected critters could still be around, and viruses have a habit of moving from one species to another.

We do not want to go through something like the 1870-1875 pandemic again.

Getting back to Hawking’s warning and documentary, I don’t think that we must begin living on other planets in the next century.

But I’m pretty sure we will. We’ve already taken the first steps on the next leg of a journey we began at least 1,900,000 years ago.8

Remembering the Past, Working for the Future

One of these days I may take a longer look at folks like Nietzsche and Santayana.

Today I’ll repeat two of their one-liners, with a brief — for me — look at why I think they have a point.

“…history treats almost exclusively of these bad men who subsequently became good men!”
(“Daybreak — Thoughts on the Prejudices of Morality,” Friedrich Nietzsche (1881) via Wikiquote)

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
(“Reason in Common Sense,” George Santayana (1905))

I was one of ‘those crazy kids,’ a half-century back, who thought that much of what passed for “morality” in America made little or no sense.

From some Pharisee’s viewpoint, Jesus was a “bad man.” He’s more than just a “good man,” and that’s another topic. (April 30, 2017; February 12, 2017; December 4, 2016)

Some of the reforms we’ve seen since then didn’t work out as well as I hoped. But I remember the ‘good old days,’ and thank God that they won’t return. (February 5, 2017; October 30, 2016; August 14, 2016)

That’s why I think Santayana’s ‘remember the past’ quote makes so much sense.

‘The good old days’ weren’t. Societies in some parts of our long story have respected the transcendent dignity of humanity more adequately than others. But there has been no “golden age.”

Our job, part of it, is looking ahead: and building a better world for future generations. (April 30, 2017; April 16, 2017; September 25, 2016)

Life, Death, and Hope

Our actions will lead to a better world: or not. Generations who will live in the centuries, millennia, and more, ahead depend on our decisions. That’s nothing new. What’s changing is how much knowledge we have accumulated: and how much wisdom we use.

If we remember that people matter, all people, I think the future looks — not perfect, but good. Better than today, for the most part.

“…You have not only a glorious history to remember and to recount, but also a great history still to be accomplished! Look to the future, where the Spirit is sending you in order to do even greater things….”
(“Vita Consecrata,” Pope St. John Paul II (March 25, 1996))

“…In this sense the future belongs to you young people, just as it once belonged to the generation of those who are now adults…. …To you belongs responsibility for what will one day become reality together with yourselves, but which still lies in the future….”
(“Dilecti Amici,” Pope St. John Paul II (March 21, 1985))

“‘Here, then, I have today set before you life and prosperity, death and doom….

“…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live”
(Deuteronomy 30:1519)

More of how I see life and the long view:

1 Expressing an old idea:

  • “Dead men tell no tales.
    But their bodies sometimes do.”
    (“Night Watch: A Long Lost Adventure In Which Sherlock Holmes Meets Father Brown,” page 108, Stephen Kendrick (2006) via Google Books)
  • Dead men tell no tales
    Oxford Reference
  • More at “The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs,” page 69; Google Books
  • “A dead man does not bite.”
    The Life of Pompey,” Plutarch, chapter 77, Loeb Classical Library edition, via The University of Chicago

2 Some folks had pretty much the same belief about smallpox in the 18th century. Other Christians thought using our brains was a good idea. They were right:

3 Depression:

4 It took post-Roman Europe more than a thousand years to build heated baths on the scale of Imperial architecture, and distinctly-European Gothic architecture. At first we concentrated our efforts on what possible in a world with little or no security beyond the village border, and very limited trade beyond our immediate neighbors. China, I think, is only now recovering from the Qing dynasty’s meltdown:

5 It could be worse, or better:

6 Dealing with youthful wrongdoing:

7 Reconstructing and recovering our past:

8 Being human, using our brains:

About Brian H. Gill

I’m a sixty-something married guy with six kids, four surviving, in a small central Minnesota town. I mostly write and make digital art. I’m only interested in three things: that which exists within the universe; that which exists beyond; and that which might exist.

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Thanks for taking time to comment!


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E. M. Bounds: The Classic Collection on Prayer

E. M. Bounds: The Classic Collection on Prayer

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Your Price: $16.99

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"When I first read E. M. Bounds’ eight books on prayer, I was certain there was no need for anyone else to ever write another book on prayer, that Bounds had said it all, and said it much better than anyone else could possibly say it. I felt the same way when I reread the eight books about three years later, and the several times I read them after that.

"I especially liked his book on The Possibilities of Prayer. It opened my mind and heart to how unlimited prayer is. A wonderful book—just wonderful! And all eight of his books on prayer are in this one volume—what a treasure!" (Harold J. Chadwick)

Edward McKendree Bounds was trained and apprenticed as an attorney, but instead of pursuing a legal career, he entered the ministry in his early twenties. In 1859 he was ordained as pastor of the Monticello Methodist Church in Missouri. E. M. Bounds was a chaplain in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was a prisoner of war. He later became the associate editor of the official Methodist newspaper, The Christian Advocate, and is best known for his numerous books on the subject of prayer. E. M. Bounds died on August 24, 1913 in Washington Georgia.

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Last dolphin story of the year

Kid wrote a total of four chapters about Sparkles the diamond pooping dolphin. Here's the last chapter she wrote. We'll have to see what happens in 2011. Maybe we'll pick a new animal and its poop to write stories about.

One day Sparkles and all her friends decided to go on an adventure. They went to Chocolate Land. They all enjoyed Chocolate Land so much that they were hoping to go back the next day. So they all went back the next day. Chocolate Land was full of everything chocolate – mint chocolate, chocolate chocolate, white chocolate, brown chocolate and ice-cream with chocolate sauce. The rooftops of every house were covered with ice-cream and chocolate. There were a lot of restaurants in Chocolate Land. They kept swimming along to see what was interesting in Chocolate Land. They saw chocolate houses, and other things made of chocolate – in fact, everything in Chocolate Land was made of Chocolate Land! They went to one of Chocolate Land’s restaurants. The name of the restaurant was Chocolate, Chocolate Everywhere! Guess what they served? Chocolate-covered fish, chocolate flowers, chocolate rabbits and chocolate dolphins. Each of the dolphins ordered and ate a chocolate dolphin. When they got home they delivered mail about all their adventures in Chocolate Land.

  1. Holy Cannibalism! They ate a dolphin?!?!?

  2. Yup. She be just a little messed in the head. Although I think it was like us eating gingerbread men.


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Endoscopy Overview

Endoscopy is a generic term used for any investigation that uses a fibre-optic scope to look inside the patient’s body. The first procedure that used this technology was a gastroscopy and because of this these two terms were used synonymously. Some clinicians persist with this nomenclature which of course is confusing for the rest of us.

Dr Renaut’s endoscopy service includes Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. There are specific indications for performing these procedures which you can discuss with either your GP (if booked as an open access) or when you see Dr Renaut in his office. They are generally done as a day-case and under sedation, although there is usually no requirement for the latter with Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.

Read about Endoscopy Procedures including:

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy


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Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need

posted by Cass Catsoulis May 26, 2016 0 comments
Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane Threads

Alright, ladies the BT edition of Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need is finally here. This one might be just a little longer than the guys (which you can find here) because this isn’t just any day, it’s THE DAY. Whether you are the bride, maid of honor or mother-of-the-bride, here is everything you need to steer you in the right direction when it comes to a wedding.

Let’s get started!

The dresses – for some brides and wedding party guests, the kit is all that matters. We are going to give you the full run down on what you need, depending on your role in the wedding. Here is everything the ladies need to know when it comes to Brisbane weddings.

The Bride:

It really is all about the dress. This is step number one to making sure the big day is memorable and is YOU in a dress. Have a peek inside the world of White Lily Couture. They have five appointment lounges and uninterrupted sitting areas for your maids and friends, making it comfortable and fun when it comes to choosing your dress. The Brisbane-based store has unique dresses, international brands and a wide range of sizes and styles that you don’t see everywhere and they certainly are not your basic wedding dress, so check them out!

Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane ThreadsAnother favourite of ours is Darb Bridal Couture. The Brisbane-based, award-winning designer and owner Brad Webb is known as the master of couture in Australia. Located in the Brisbane Arcade, one thing that we know here at BT is that Brad is adaptable to ideas, open to suggestion and gives the bride the last say, which is exactly what you need when trying on wedding dresses. The dresses are made for the individual.

Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane Threads

Don’t forget to your own personal style. If your style is vintage, Brissy has plenty to offer in this department – as always with vintage, you just have to look and rummage. Specialising in tea length wedding dresses, Silver Sixpence knows vintage inspired dresses. Located in the hub of Paddington, if this sounds like you, check them out – open by appointment only.

Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane ThreadsIf you’re getting the dress made to order, enjoy the ride! When it comes to supporting dressmakers, whether it’s a start-up designer or an established dressmaker, we say go full steam ahead ladies. If you know a brilliant dressmaker, leave a comment below so anyone reading along and find them too!

Tip: If you’ve always been a theme kind of girl and want everything to match, use your dress to set the theme and make all of the other elements fall into place so that everything ties together, from the table decorations and flowers to the bridal party and their accessories.

Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane ThreadsThe Maid Of Honour (MOH):

You are the second rock on the wedding day (the first of course being the one on the bride’s finger!), and you’re the one the bride will rely on. To be the perfect maid you have to be a planner, and know her back to front! Now it is quite rare for the bride to leave your dress entirely and completely up to you, but if she does, don’t be afraid to go for something a little bit different to the rest of the bridesmaids. If halternecks are your thing, give it a go. Perfect a strapless with a bold lip, why not! As long as you run it by the bride of course.

In saying this keep your eye on all of the websites above and buy the bride a collection of wedding magazines to give her hints and ideas. If you just cannot find anything to buy, why not come up with some designs and go fabric shopping. Getting the bridesmaids dresses made can often be a bonding exercise, and it can end up being more affordable than buying dresses off the rack (plus you get to create something that you will love!). Get inspired!!! Look at patterns, lace and sheer fabrics, it’s the hard but fun part.

Other MOH jobs:

  • Wedding and Bridal Dress Shopping – Who doesn’t love shopping, although this particular type of shopping can become incredibly stressful, try not to let that happen and make sure you plan ahead to avoid these circumstances, they are never fun.
  • Hens Night – Alright ladies its party time! Make sure you keep it classy but in the words of the infamous Allan off the Hangover “Blood Brothers,” make sure you keep the gals together so know one ends up like Mr Chow. Brisbane has plenty of awesome locations for a night you’ll hopefully remember. Do activities in the lead up of the big day, or make it a complete girls weekend in celebration of the bride-to-be.
  • Kitchen Tea/ Bridal shower, or both – This job is open to interpretation. If your bride loves events and celebrating, there is no question, give her both! Giving them themes is always a good time make it all about her. Invite her friends and family (the ones she wants..this one can be tricky) and make the theme a little bit of her. If she loves Tiffany & Co, colour code the event in Tiffany Blue, or if she’s a bit of a bohemian spirit, beautiful blooms are definitely required.
  • Bridal Movie Night – This night is to relax your bride and show her how exciting the times ahead are with movies that have everything and anything to do with weddings. This can be done with the rest of the maids or a group of friends or just the two of you. If you don’t get all of the movie watching done in one night, why not do two or three nights, or even the week before if there is time!
  • DYI projects – Depending on how crafty your bride-to-be is, you might be helping prepare wedding or bridal gifts or hand-writing on invitation envelopes. Support her in her DIY efforts, you might even learn some new tricks!

The Maids:

You guys are there to support the MOH and of course the Bride. When you find out about this honour, so you don’t end up wearing a dress you really dislike, buy her a hamper of Bridal goodies and start discussing ideas of her ideal bridal party. You don’t want to take over but ideas never hurt. Depending on the other maids, you could all wear the same colour in different styles, or different colours in the same style. When choosing the dresses, be sure to pick something that is flattering on every member of the bridal party, no matter their shape and style preference. Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane ThreadsThe Mother of the Bride:

If you’re the mother of the bride or more mature than all the rest of the wedding folk (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) check out Living Silk to get your frock from someone who knows their stuff. Living Silk offers stunning silk dresses, pencil skirts, formal gowns and shawls. It makes it easy to find the perfect outfit with the wide range of designs they have. Also located in Paddington, the family business loves silk and quality fashion, so there is something for everyone. It is your daughter’s day, but a little bit yours as well. So treat yourself, and make sure that for the many photos that will be taken that day, you look and feel your best.

Blk Ave hair salon – Located on Sandgate Road in Clayfield this beauty salon offers very reasonable and affordable hair treatments and also does tanning, makeup and weddings and events. This one has the BT tick of approval for sure!

Brooklyn Beauty Bar – Located in the heart of James Street, Brooklyn Beauty Bar is a one of a kind experience enabling their clients to receive the highest quality. We picked this one obviously for its excellent beauty services but who can deny some champagne too?! Brooklyn Beauty Bar is a beauty salon and a licensed bar to really get you in the celebratory spirit! Offering eyebrow sculpting/threading, lash extensions, half-hour ‘Glow & Go Facial’, Brisbane’s best nails and tans and most importantly, they have special offers so who knows what of nail party could come your way!Brisbane Weddings: What The Girls Need | Brisbane ThreadsMakeup:

Jessica Peacock Makeup Artist –  Brisbane based makeup artist Jessica has over 10 years industry experience and uses only luxury products are used – this lady knows her makeup.

Janise Chan Makeup Artist – check out her Instagram here.

Mandi Anastasas Makeup Artist – check out her Instagram here.

Claire Howell Makeup Artist – check out her Instagram here.

Kayla Lapworth Makeup Artist – check out their Instagram here.

There you have it lovely ladies – What the girls need to know when it comes to Brisbane weddings! Stay tuned for the third and final edition of Brisbane Weddings, coming to the blog soon!

Don’t forget to comment below if you have any other helpful tips the brides-to-be and help another gal out!

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Friday, 6 October 2017

TNA podcast - the court case that banned a lesbian novel

The latest podcast from the National Archives in England is entitled Unfolding the court case that banned a 1920s lesbian novel, a 16 minute talk by Caroline Whitworth about the novel The Well of Loneliness. Here's the blurb:

In 1928 Radclyffe Hall wrote ‘The Well of Loneliness’, a novel that featured female characters in same-sex relationships. Shortly after it was published, the Sunday Express called for the book to be suppressed and urged the Home Office to censor it. Despite attempts by writers including Vera Brittain, T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf to defend the novel as a book of literary, sociological and psychological significance, it was banned later that year.

In this podcast, we look at files from the obscenity trial to find out why a lesbian novel that lacked any lewd imagery or language was classed as obscene. Hear what the novel meant to sexologists such as Henry Havelock Ellis; which side of the trial Rudyard Kipling offered to stand on; and the alternate plot lines that the magistrate believed would spare a novel with gay characters from censorship.

To listen to the podcast visit

My next 5 week long Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course commences Nov 6th 2017 - details at For my genealogy guide books, visit, whilst details of my research service are at Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at

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Welland Canal: Part 2

Part 2

Segment 15

With the new season, “Butterflies!”

Segment 16: 1:07

Welland Pilots work with crews from around the world.

Segment 17: 6:06

The challenge of communicating orders with international crews

Segment 18: 9:45

Shift work on the Welland Canal.

Segment 19: 10:52

Welland Pilots build trust with international captains.

Segment 20: 12:50

Length of season working on the Welland Canal

Segment 21: 13:48

Engine and size of ships

Segment 22: 14:55

Technology reduced crew sizes.

Segment 23: 19:57

Video of canal without commentary: Part One

Segment 24: 25:36

Tunnels under Welland Canal

Segment 25: 26:32

Without commentary: Part Two

Segment 26: 33:25

Without commentary: Part Three

Segment 27: 43:19

Without commentary: Part Four

Segment 28: 49:28

Without commentary: Part Five

Segment 29: 57:05

Do Welland Canal Captains own pleasure boats?

About Gerald J. "Jerry" Vogt

Gerald J. “Jerry” Vogt has been a film and video producer, director, 16mm film shooter, videographer, photographer and writer since the 1970’s, completing assignments throughout the USA, specializing in documentary, industrial, training, marketing and safety productions. Vogt’s work has been featured on many TV networks, including PBS, MTV, VH-1, ESPN, College Sports Network, Fox Sports, CBN, ESPN, PPTN and many other broadcast networks.


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evocation table

evocation table

Monday, May 2, 2011

Easter Angels

April 24th Easter Sunday. 0610am..Notes:

Woke up tired but mind more empty..Washed face and hands but did not shower. Operation now ritualized with sure steps:
1. Arrive in Oratory and light my main oil lamp.
2. Walk clockwise around perimeter, open white curtains of altar space, and secure side openings. I also get charcoal and a side burner ready and place it near the canopy.

3. Retrieve my Alamadel materials from my altar cabinet. Three white church linens contain three parts of the Almadel setup. The first on the bottom hold the four white candles and candlesticks. The second cold the wax Almadel tablet and silver talisman. The third hold the crystal ball, gold crystal stand and white incense burner. I also retrieve my printed invocation on two sheets of parchment and a pure white card stock sheet. I place the items within the coiled white rope that sets the perimeter of my working space in front of the curtained canopy.

4. First, I unwrap the large linen that contains the candles and candlesticks, place the linen on the altar as the main altar cloth and then set the white card stock directly in the center which the candle sticks will be placed on. I then arrange the candlesticks in approximate distance for the Almadel to sit on and place the candles securely within. I then unwrap the Almadel, remove the talisman and set it upon the Altar cloth. Then, without touching the Almadel with my bare hands, I use the linen to arrange the tablet on the four candlesticks. I then set the silver talisman directly in the center. Next, I unwrap the crystal ball and stand making sure I do not touch the polished crystal with my bare hands. I arrange the stand over the silver talisman and palace the crystal ball on the stand using the linen.

5. When that is set and the tablet is balanced well between the candles, I light the charcoal using the light from my oil lamp. When the charcoal is burning and being ready to be used I begin with a set of purifying prayers to God and use a bit of my will to become centered and clear my mind and heart for what I'm about to do. When I feel ready I light the candles ( I begin with the one in the far left which I designate as the 'Eastern' most candle, then moving clockwise I go in order: South, West, then North). I then recite the Invocation which is printed on my parchment and given in the Lemegeton. This morning the call was to the angel Borachiel (BRa+Chy+El) "Life Creator of God")
 My first invocation I vibrated the holy names but only had moderate attention and will put into what I was saying and became distracted when I noticed the Almadel tablet looked uneven upon the candlesticks. I resorted to correcting the placement, trying to level the tablet without touching it but felt I had lost the focus of my ritual. I decided to begin again and this time I poured my full concentration and will into what I was saying and did not bother with 'vibrating' the words so in as much as I felt and spoke of the power those names represented. Even more so than before, I focused solely on what I was doing and thought of nothing else. Somewhere in the midst of my invocation, I began to feel a presence descend and recognized the unmistakable increase in light and density above the tablet. I transferred the charcoal to my white clay censor and placed a bit of mastic powder upon it. I then placed the censor under the Almadel and the perfume began to swirl around the tablet, candles, and crystal stone.
I then recited the invocation and prayer to the angel ending it with my personal desire to see, hear, and communicate clearer with all manor of spirits I would seek to call. I then sat and let my gaze become enveloped by the glowing presence of the Almadel and crystal sphere. I gazed for some time and eventually beheld a man like figure in the right side of the ball which moved to the forefront. I focused my gaze on this figure but had trouble seeing it clearer. At this same time, I immediately became aware of the fact that every time I begin to behold a spiritual being, I get so excited to tell others of this experience that I get distracted and lose focus of the operation. This point has been a bit too prevalent in my works of late. With a sense of deliberate will, I wiped away all distracting thoughts and spoke aloud and directly toward the figure asking that my mind be clear and focused only on itself and learning what it had to offer. I at once began speaking a prayer and invocation of my own spontaneous invention. It came out of a sincere desire to converse with the being who was gracious enough to even attend upon my ceremony.

This time the Almadel sparked (the candles and lights actually sparked) and a large gold and white mist enveloped the entire altar table. I saw the image of the figure move to the back of the sphere and this time it took on a very distinct 3D image of a thin, masculine face looking directly at me. At fist I was sure my eyes had focused on my own reflection which had not been there previously, but I moved my head from side to side and the image did not follow my movements. I heard clear instructions in my mind that I was to close my eyes and count ten slow breaths, thinking on absolutely nothing but my breathing. I did so and felt all thoughts, cares, and even physical sensation drift away. When I reopened my eyes I had no thought in my mind but saw the face again, even clearer than before. it turned and extended an arm and hand which swirling clouds or misty forms appeared over. At once I began speaking again as if this begin was helping me to correct my mind and intentions toward what this art was really about. I spoke something along the lines of, " Oh great angel of the East, of the Dawn and new fresh beginnings of life and day, you angel of the East, of air, of springtime and youth, grant my mind clear of all needless folly, thoughts, and distraction which intrudes on your true gifts. Let my mind be still to receive thee, and my heart be open to your teachings and words that I may better connect with the truth of divine living."
After this spontaneous prayer, I felt a block that was somewhere hidden between my mind and my heart release and I began to weep. I saw images of the face turn and be seen in profile only to move froward and backward in perspective, I saw the lights shimmer but more so i felt clarity of mind I have not felt for a long while. my mind was quite but my heart was overflowing with a release of emotion I am not able to put into words. I stayed a long while just watching the figure before me move every so often and show various images above its outstretched hand. My mind remained still and calm. Emotionally, I felt more than I could comprehend. I prayed in thanks a long while after. I prayed with full heart and empty of distracting thoughts. my eyes still tear at the sensation and remembrance

I'm really quite the fool sometimes, but thankful, oh so thankful for this experience. I'm not quite sure why such beings even waste the time to converse with me, but I'm so glad they do, ...and so glad I took the time to try.


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I decided to come into work tonight because I'm needing to save up as much extra cash as I can for the next few months.

I want to go on the record here and say that I am currently getting paid to sit on my laptop while 3 kids watch Alvin & the Chipmunks in the other room until they have to go to bed in an hour.

I will be here for several hours after that, getting to go Internetting and watching TV.

For $15 an hour.

I am the best at making money.


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I took the plunge.

I bought a non-refundable $96 vintage dress on Ebay.

If it doesn't fit I'm going to slit my wrists.

This was also my first purchase on Ebay ever. Isn't that weird? Considering all the online shopping I do? Shit, my mailman practically hates me. There's no excuse for the volume of stuff I receive in the mail. Plus I have like, a bajillion other packages on their way right now. Christmas presents and stuff. And like, a cute jacket I bought myself. For Christmas. It's a Christmas present to myself. Jesus. Literally.

If my UPS guy didn’t already hate me for buying everything I eat and own on the internet, he’s definitely going to hate me in 6 to 10 days if this vintage dress doesn't fit me and I have to just send it right back out via Instagram.


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Buju's Innovations Mods Electronics Guides Software

News Trader

News Trader EA

News Trader is also Pending time EA - they are the same
Have you ever wanted to trade a news event ? , then sat in front of your P.C. waiting for the news to be released only to find that after the news is released the price has moved and its now too late to enter a trade ......

Enter News Trader: a Expert Adviser that you can setup to place pending orders before the news releases , you will almost be guaranteed to enter into a trade even if the price moves up or down.

You can get FREE FOREX NEWS SIGNALS from the following:

With News Trader you will be able to setup:

Watch the setup video

1. next date and time to place pending orders.

2. profit , stop-loss and step.If using a 4 digit broker 10 will equall 10 pips , if using a 5 digit broker
, add a 0 (zero) , so 10 pips will equal 100 , etc.
step is the number of pips above and below the current price that the pending orders will be placed.

3. lot size and expiry time.
expiry time in in seconds , the default is 900 seconds which equalls 15 minutes , check or try with your broker if less than 15 minutes can be used , if pending trades are not placed the expiry time might be too low.

4. your own comment displayed on the chart.

5. number of pending orders to place.Use this in mutiples of 2 , IE 2 or 4 or 6 , etc ...
example: if the setting is 2 it will place 1 buy and 1 sell pending order , if the setting is 4 it will
place 2 buy and 2 sell pending orders , etc ...

6. If during the minute that the EA is active and the market goes crazy up and down and the pending orders are triggered and then closed the EA will automatically open new pending orders according to the number of pending orders set - see point 5.

some helpful info

Do not make step to low , 10 pips is about the minimum , you can go higher you risk the orders not being
Do not make the take profit to big (dont be gready) , if you are sure the market will make a big move then
set take profit higer.
If you want to manually manage your orders then set the take profit and stop loss to high levels (50 pips)
and close the orders when you like.

The Expert Adviser will also show: number of pending buy / sell stops and total pending orders , and current spread.
Expert Adviser will work for 4 or 5 digit brokers.

Purchase this EA here for $25.00
Buy this file: Forex Pending time expert advisor , EA

Download the demo version here

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dutch panel rejects Malaysian timber body's appeal

KUALA LUMPUR: The Netherland's appeals panel has rejected the Malaysian Timber Certification Council's (MTCC) appeal against a 2010 decision by Dutch timber procurement body TPAC.

According to the Timber Industry magazine, the panel found that the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) had not met the Netherland's procurement criteria for wood.

Timber Industry, a UK magazine for the timber trade, said on Monday, Oct 24 the independent panel SMK, had rejected the MTCC's appeal against TPAC's decision.

Timber Industry said TPAC's rejection was based on the MTCS's limited recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and lack of adequate protection against the conversion of certified natural forest to other uses, included PLANTATION []s.

The magazine also said MTCC had not provided substantive arguments in their case, hence the appeal was dismissed.

To recap, the MTCC is an independent organisation established to develop and operate the''MTCS to provide independent assessments of forest management practices in Malaysia as well as to meet the demand for certified timber products.

Timber certification is a market-linked tool to promote and encourage sustainable forest management as well as to provide an assurance to buyers that the timber products they buy come from sustainably managed forests.

Timber Industry quoted the MTCC as saying it regretted the decision as it undermined the efforts by developing tropical forest countries like Malaysia to implement timber certification.

The Netherlands is the largest market for Malaysian timber in the European Union and accounts for 49% of the MTCS's exports of certified timber products.

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Recreation and Utility Vehicles

Big Tex Agriplex, we carry full line of great brands like Mahindra, Gravely, Ariens, and Gator Tail all designed to help you.. Get your work done, Nacogdoches Texas!
4120 Old Tyler Rd.
Nacogdoches, TX 75964
© Copyright 2005-2017 Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
2516 North St., Nacogdoches, Texas 75965 (936) 560-5533
Unless otherwise noted, no part of this website may be reproduced without written permission.
Email us with questions or comments.


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712 Highway 72 W Tuscumbia AL 35674
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Robbins Property Development is located at 712 Highway 72 W, Tuscumbia, AL. This business specializes in Hotels & Motels.

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Emerald Business Ctr

13 Eglin Pkwy NE Fort Walton Bch FL 32548
(850) 301-0004
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  • 1209 Airport Rd Destin, FL 32541
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Monday, April 9, 2012

weekly menu:: week 15

spring break is over.  not very happy about it.  we loved the time off.  we needed the time off.  we got stuff done from our list and then some.  we could have used one more day. starting back on a monday is hard for everyone.

making this week:
tuesday: pulled pork sandwiches, apple slaw
wednesday: black bean and cheese enchiladas, salad (didn't make this last week)
friday: pizza
saturday: couples shower
sunday: eat out

baking this week:
i'm working on the staff appreciation luncheon for the teachers on friday and a shower on saturday.  lots of cooking and baking this week.

ready or not, it's back to reality.

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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Neotropic Cormorant

I have a really hard time telling the Neotropic and Double-Crested Cormorants apart. In Texas it was easier, but here in Arizona, it's possible to find both inhabiting the waterways, and I see Cormorants all over the city.

The difficulty of classifying them aside, I love to get a good look at Cormorants. It's fun to watch them swim with their somewhat serpentine bodies, and it's downright comical to see them hanging their wings out to dry, like a kid that just got his t-shirt all soaked. I also think that Cormorants have some of the most stunning eyes in the avian world (granted, I haven't seen a White-Eyed Vireo yet). Raptor eyes are large and piercing, but there's something about the aqua blue in the Cormorant eye that's totally transfixing (click for a larger view).

I believe that the strong white border behind the beak, along with the near lack of orange towards the front of the beak make this a Neotropic Cormorant (let me know if I'm wrong). Concealed behind a palm tree, I got to take a few nice shots and stare into the blue Cormorant eyes that take you away to a distant sea.


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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Ponds, Rivers, and Big ol' Puddles of Sh*t

Yes, yes, those water features provide some of the most variable and high quality birding in any state, even in states like Arizona that do not feature much water in the first place. I was originally planning on hitting up the Hassayampa Preserve today after hearing about Tommy D's great finds and seeing his great photos, but I got a later start in the morning and didn't have time for the drive. As such, it was back to the west side staples with trips to the Glendale Recharge Ponds and Tres Rios promising some reliable species and maybe a migrant or two.

I ran into Muriel Neddermeyer on the east side of the ponds, and we decided to join forces for the morning. Suffice it to say, the west Phoenix birding world shook mightily at the news of this alliance, even if some nearby foragers didn't take much heed.

The southeastern basins had good water levels, a bit too deep for some waders but deep enough to hold the daily increasing waterfowl. We had all three species of Teal, Wigeons, and a few Pintails, in addition to hundreds of Black-necked Stilts, Dowitchers, Leasts, Coots, and some Avocets.

Since the water was too deep for most of the smaller shorebird migrants and I'd already picked up my Short-billed Dowitcher for the year, I wasn't overly scrupulous nor scope-u-lous in scanning the mixed flocks (this laziness is not something to publicly admit if one wants to improve on the GBRS, but some of us birders are not so ambitious, and prefer to keep our heads down).

In the migrant department we did pick up a non-breeding Dunlin, which isn't the most excitingly colored bird to find but it's an uncommon one, one that makes the casual Phoenix (non-shore)birder scratch his or her head for a moment and think back to those pages in Sibley. Unfortunately the handsomer and rarer Black-bellied Plover was no longer present.

Raptor activity around the ponds was very solid, with Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Kestrels, and Merlins all making an appearance. A Loggerhead Shrike on the way out rounded out the carnivorous category well, though few of these rapacious raptors stayed put for pictures.

Of course, in a large drainage basin full of sunfish and carp, the Ospreys do quite well for themselves too, and we had several of these kleeping piscivores flying loops throughout the morning.

That was it for the ponds, so next Muriel and I decided to try some west-side rivers. The Tres Rios concatenation can be dizzying to bird, with so much space and so many species all sounding off and darting around at once. That amounts to good birding though, and it's a guaranteed 50+ species spot, if you give it a good hour or two. With those sorts of numbers the statistical odds of getting some up close and personal sightings are ever in one's favor.

There were White Pelicans flying overhead, which never cease to amaze me with their giant-ness, and Brown Pelicans floating down below. The Brown Pelicans are a much more recent, though now reliable, addition to the Tres Rios family. To my knowledge, this is the only site in Maricopa County, and perhaps any part of Arizona away from Lake Havasu or Yuma, where one can expect to see both North American pelicaniformes.

It is not the only place in Arizona to see Belted Kingfishers, nor is it even one of the better spots, but they are another staple of the site.

Muriel and I spent a fair portion of our Tres Rios time distracted by the brazen antics of this Rock n' Roll Wren. I was very glad to see this bird on a prominent boulder spillway dam, because this long wall of loose rocks has cried out for a Rock Wren inhabitant for so long and for so long had been lacking.

Even among the relatively drably colored Wren family, Rock Wrens are still pretty bland, but they're also very hospitable, accommodating birds. I find them and Canyon Wrens to be, by far, the most delightful Wren species. They don't have the colors, but they do have the personality of a peacock.

They also really love rocks...a lot.

After some time at the Tres Rios rivers I was compelled to head back into Phoenix for a Sunday Thai buffet, but I still didn't feel quite satisfied with the day's sightings. As anyone who's driven south down 91st avenue can attest, there is a miasmic odor that permeates the air around the Broadway/91st avenue intersection. A series of cattle feed lots to the east are responsible, and I like to drive by some of the corrals from time to time in search of Yellow-headed Blackbirds or anything else that'll perch up on the rails for a photo. Adjacent to the feed lots is a large, throbbing, beating, growing pit full of raw sewage. Two drainage pipes maintain a continual flow from the cow pens into the pit, and this rank, festering stew holds a certain attraction for the birds, and thus birders as well.

Where do Black-bellied Whistling Ducks take their chicks for a Sunday funday? To the poo pool of course! C'mon kids, hop on in! The water is...fine.

This is the satisfied look of a fulfilled parent who knows it's been a job well done.

There were several dozen Black-necked Stilts around the the sewage ponds and three species of Blackbird too (Wallace Stevens would have been happy). Just look at that Stilt, daintily posed on its little floating island of excrement above the bubbly, frothy goodness that is the domain of Whistling Ducks.

I definitely kept the windows down for the whole ride back into town, but left the west side birding sites, as always, feeling satisfied with enough birding to make it to next weekend.


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Sunday, January 9, 2011

Prom/ Winter Formals

With Prom and Winter Formals just around the corner I have had some ask about these pictures. So here they are, yes I would love to take some of you and your friends on the big day. Also, check back in the next few days I will have some senior pictures to post!


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Friday, June 8, 2012

I am a proud mama!

My daughter convocated from University last week.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology...with great distinction!  I couldn't be prouder!

And because I serve on the University Senate..I got to sit up on the stage! So as she walked across the stage,   I was waiting at the end and gave her a big hug! It was such a special moment.

and we have matching colours !! Too cute!

But I am not done youngest daughter convocates in the fall, in Calgary, and my son is going to start another degree in England in the fall !! ....looks like there is tuition in my future for a few more years!

  1. Congrats to you both - just a lovely photo of the two of you.

  2. How wonderful! Congratulations!

  3. i will add my congratulations! i hope you take some credit for setting such a great example for your children!

  4. Congratulations to both of you Flo...she is lovely.

  5. Congrats! That's not an easy degree to greatly distinguish oneself. Hope the view from the stage was better than the floor. :)

  6. hi everyone
    check out the fabrics at,
    they have the cutest, cheapest and best quality fabrics
    come check them out!

  7. congratulations.... and don't you two look just fabulos
    in stitches

  8. That is wonderful news - hearty congratulations!

  9. Love that photo of you and your daughter. Another blog I follow, Citric Sugar, also graduated from that same university, but with a degree in Education. Congrats to your daughter! (And you!!)

    Elizabeth E.

  10. Congratulations to your daughter and how awesome you got to be on stage with her too =D

    I'm having a giveaway on my blog. There is one extra day to enter =D

Please leave a comment or just say hello....It's nice to know I am not talking to myself!


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How To Pick A Coffee Vending Machine

10 Sep 12
Chloe Gib
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A Coffee vending machine is one product that is useful not only for official, but for personal use as well. The good thing about this is that it can be used in offices, stores, restaurants, and parties. This is the reason why buying or hiring one should be chosen carefully.

This comes in a lot of types that individuals can find in the market. Therefore, they can choose the best one that can meet their needs. Shopping for one means individuals should follow a number of tips. The space available and the needs of these individuals are the bases for the type of machine they should buy or hire.

There are exclusive coffee dispensers or combo devices that are made to serve one with snacks along with coffee. On top of that, he or she can pick between floor standing or tabletop devices. The device\’s measurement is one of the most vital factors that one should consider.

There are different dimensions you can select from, so you will most likely be able to select the dimension that suits your office requirements. Taking time and exploring your options are highly recommended. You should call many suppliers. This way, you will be aware regarding your choices as well as the costs.

This is the most suitable tome for one to save a good amount of money because he or she can negotiate. The World Wide Web is another tool for him or her to get in touch with suppliers. He or she should visit the websites of suppliers in his or her community and ask for the products description or quotations.

Without a doubt, suppliers of kitchen supplies in Pittsburgh are countless. Still, you should only do business with experienced and reputable ones. This is how you can make certain that reasonable prices, quality appliances, and timely maintenance will be provided.

Furthermore, you should make certain that the claims made by suppliers are authentic. Ask as much questions as you can especially regarding their other clients. This will help you determine if the company is capable of providing excellent services.

The process of picking the best coffee vending machine will become less difficult with these tips. One can avoid from any problems in the future too. He or she can now enjoy a perfect drink every time as long as intelligent and computerized brewers are around. Thanks to technology for such great invention.

The Coffee Bean offers great prices on office coffee service. Check out their website to learn more! (


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Materials, security, and aesthetics are critical factors in choosing a bicycle parking system. Coating of the metal bike racks varies widely, but Cycle-Safe uses a special process that will not damage or scratch a bicycle, plus it will not rust. All bike racks clearly leave the bicycle vulnerable to theft of components and vandalism, and lockers are the preferred choice for the long term, secure storage of more expensive bikes.

Also remember, bicycle racks complement lockers, they don't compete with them. Typical installations should have both.

Cycle-Safe's U/2™ "inverted U" type bike racks are the leading edge in technology for bike rack parking and offer the best of short-term cycle parking. The inverted U/2™ rack design for two bicycles is widely regarded as the recommended standard for modern bicycles. Cycle-Safe U/2™ bike racks are made of steel and completely covered with a heavy rubberized coating. This combination has proven to maximize corrosion resistance, impact resistance, and protection of bicycle finishes.

Cycle-Safe U/2™bicycle racks also support the bike above the center of gravity and give support at two spots on the bike frame. This is technically better than wave type racks, which offer poor support, are often misused and result in a reduction in capacity. The clean lines of the one-bend inverted U/2™ bicycle rack design are safer for pedestrian traffic around bike parking or in dimly lit areas.

Rate and Review Cycle Safe Inc.

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Let users know what you would have wanted to know about this company.
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Sunday, April 5, 2009

Obama Responds To Afghan Law That Legalizes Rape

‘I Think This Law Is Abhorrent’

At a news conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning, President Obama discussed NATO efforts in Afghanistan and secured the commitment of NATO allies to send 5,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Fox News’ Major Garrett asked Obama what he thinks of a new Afghanistan law that legalizes rape. The legislation, which applies to the country’s Shia population, contains this provision:

“As long as the husband is not traveling, he has the right to have sexual intercourse with his wife every fourth night,” Article 132 of the law says. “Unless the wife is ill or has any kind of illness that intercourse could aggravate, the wife is bound to give a positive response to the sexual desires of her husband.”

In a written statement, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), said the law “legalizes the rape of a wife by her husband. … The law violates women’s rights and human rights in numerous ways.”

This morning, Obama said, “I think this law is abhorrent” and that his administration’s views are being communicated to the Karzai government. “We have stated very clearly that we object to this law.” But Obama added, the priority for the U.S. right now is al Qaeda. “But I want everybody to understand that our focus is to defeat al Qaeda and ensure that they do not have safe havens from which they can launch attacks against the Alliance.” Watch it:

The Afghanistan law poses a difficult diplomatic challenge for Obama and for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who said recently, “Women’s rights are a central part of American foreign policy in the Obama Administration; they are not marginal; they are not an add-on or an afterthought.”

President Karzai said he ordered his Justice Ministry to review the law, and if anything in it contravenes the country’s constitution or Shariah law, “measures will be taken.” But he added that he had studied the law earlier in the day and, “I don’t see any problems with it.”

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Image is a photo of two cleansers in squeeze tubes. The one on the right has the label: First Cleanse. Missha creamy chocolate latte cleansing foam. It is a white tube with gold lettering. The tube on the right is a white tube with apricot graphic on the bottom. This one is labelled: second cleanse. It is rite aid renewal apricot scrub.
Just some of the cleansers I’ve used for double cleansing: They don’t have to be from Asia!
First cleanse: Missha Creamy Chocolate Latte Cleansing Foam
Second cleanse: Rite Aid (drugstore) Renewal Apricot Scrub (with salicylic acid)

I spend a good amount of time in the Reddit Asian beauty community (I started the group back in January) chatting with folks, and I see the question from time to time asking about double-cleansing. Cleaning your face twice sounds stupid because you’d be stripping your face, right? You’d dry out and turn into a mummy? Nope. Especially if you choose the right products.

Asian beauty is in some ways vastly different from western. Most skincare routines are a minimum of 5 steps, some as many as 7 (with optional steps increasing to 10). Further, the additional steps completely change the game!

A Comparison:

Western skincare has exactly 1 step (be honest, maybe two), but here are some of them:

  • Wash skin
  • Use drying toner, wiping off skin with a cotton ball/pad to remove garbage from your face.
  • Maybe slap on a moisturizer/sunscreen

Asian skincare has 5-10000 steps

  • First cleanse: Makeup slaying
  • Second cleanse: Actual cleaning of the skin itself
  • Toner: not even close to western toners: these are softening and often moisturizing but non-drying and typically stay on the skin.
  • Massage step/Mask step: Either a massage cream to move your lymph and improve circulation, or apply a mask product of some kind (there are MANY KINDS).
  • Treatment step #1: “Essence”, “Moisturizer”, “Lotion”; all of these mean something does something to your skin. It’s good news! Usually you want the important ones first (retinol, vit c, etc).
  • Treatment step #2: Same as before. Some regimens call #1 Emulsion/Essence and #2 Serum but really the use order varies based on the effectiveness of products. Light moisturizing for both steps.
  • Eye Cream
  • Sunscreen: OMG vital. 80-90% of wrinkles are supposed to be due to sun damage. Not only do you GOTTA USE THAT but you must reapply throughout the day (every few hours).

In the USA, I hear a lot of folks say “Oh, Asians have the best skin, must be genetic” but this sounds to me like a lazy thing western people say to excuse themselves from having bad skin for being lazy. When I talk about multi-step skincare I’m not describing a fringe of Asian women; these are not weird strange ladies with obsessiveness. The above (or variations on it) is very standard, and has been for decades. It’s no wonder people who put more work in get better results!

If you guys are interested I’ll do a full post on the Asian skincare routine with a lot more detail but I just wanted to illustrate the big picture before I explain double cleansing.

Assuming you cleanse in the morning and at night, you wash your skin differently (probably). Chances are you wear makeup, so at night, you’re going to want to remove it. But makeup remover is drying, and in some cases irritating! What to do?

Wash your face with a cleansing foam, cleansing milk, cleansing gel, cleansing lotion, or oil cleansers. Some people really like to take a good 1-2 minutes here. A good idea is to try lymphatic massage a bit (you can still do a massage step but if you don’t effing have time this is a good alternative). Then rinse that crap off. Your skin should be pretty clean, but instead of using a drying, potentially irritating witch hazel or alcohol-based toner (like 99% of western wipe-off toners) skip that crap and use your second wash. I like to use a salicylic acid cleanser, or a scrub, but you guys: I have pretty thick skin that builds up if I don’t ward it off with constant exfoliation, so maybe it’s too harsh for most people (ie causes bleeding). You might consider an acne wash (salicylic acid), a glycolic wash, moisturizing wash, or something that smells good or pleases you generally. Sensitive skin folk, believe it or not, you might have an easier time with double cleanse because instead of ONE POWERFUL wash (that may include stuff irritating to your delicate skin like sulfates) you can use two wussy washes and still end up with clean skin (Rather than one wussy wash that won’t cleanse you). Now you’re done washing up, tone immediately to keep your skin from becoming dry.

The main difference here is your first wash. You gotta pick something effective against makeup. Asian skincare brands have a HORDE of makeup removing oil cleansers and other products suited for double cleansing, but as long as it takes off makeup it’s a winner. Use that first, get the crap off your face, and then just follow up with a good skincare choice with your second cleanse. Don’t forget to use a moisturizing/softening toner to keep skin fresh and balanced.

If you choose products that are good for your skin you may see fewer breakouts, less irritation, and brighter skin. For me, using double cleansing alone is a big help, and if you try it out you can always add more steps later. The products you use don’t have to come from Asia! Western first cleansers should be makeup removers or mild cleansers: avoid SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate), but don’t confuse those with less irritating SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and ALES (Ammonium Laureth Sulfate). “Sulfates” are not universally irritating (read about that here) nor are they more irritating than non-sulfates, despite what might be passed around the internet.

I hope you guys enjoy trying out double-cleansing. Tell me about your experience!

Have you tried double-cleansing before?

What products do you use?

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17 Responses to “Asian Beauty: How does the Double-cleanse work??”

  1. Michelle Says:

    I use Cetaphil cleanser and follow up with a scrub. Right now I’m using the True Blue apricot scrub from BBW. I really love it. I follow that up with moisturizer. I was one of those people that was scared of over drying my skin by trying a double-cleanse, but I LOVE it. I have a mask I use weekly for exfoliation, I really want to experiment with some other masks though.

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    I used to be scared that my skin would overdry too, but it helps a lot to make your first cleanse something gentle!

    What mask do you use weekly?

    I totally love experimenting, I’ve learned a lot of ways to make my skin better through doing so, and I think it’s fun ^_^

  2. Kerry Says:

    I need to buy that Latte Chocolate cleanser immediately!

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    Hey Kerry,

    The Missha Latte cleanser also comes in Strawberry (: I have it too but I haven’t tried it yet, gotta finish off some others first ^_^

  3. Eva Says:

    I actually forgot how good is to double wash your face and I didn’t include in my skincare blog post lol. That’s me and my head being a mess! I actually started double washing my face like a week ago, I use the etude foam witch hazel and then the AC clinic cleanser. The happy foam is running out tho but I’ve ordered Elisha coy pore cleanser I hope it will turn out good ^^) The one thing I’m sure tho because of this and that I don’t have the budget to try lots of serums and emulsions yet. Also I’ve left some nice skincare products in Greece that I thought they broke me out! Turns out it was the Doritos!! Can you believe that?

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    I think double washing makes such a difference! I used to have skin that was never all the way clean and I’d use western-style toners to wipe the last of the gunk away. Now I don’t have to use those (which is good because those tend to be drying), and I also get fewer breakouts, and my skin is brighter.

    I think your post was still good and you can always still post in the future about double washing ^_^

    OH man, Doritos!! How sad, those taste so good >: As for me, because of Lyme Disease if I eat the wrong foods my skin freaks out and I can even get acne cysts. I have a restrictive diet and one thing I must avoid is anything with sugar/carbs (even good carbs like oatmeal or fruit) and I find when I have something REALLY bad (a slice of cake) my face is the worst. I see it as punishment for defying my doctor, lol.

    It’s so strange what breaks people out, isn’t it?

  4. Eva Says:

    *I want to add that I used to double wash my face with random peelings but always used the Vitamin E cleanser from body shop. So this is not the first time I double wash my face but I just woke up and forgot about it one day ^^;

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    I like the Vit E toner, it works like Asian toners (: I haven’t tried the wash though, and now I want to because you use it ^_^

    Thanks for updating!

  5. Kerry Says:

    Ah, now that I’m on a computer and not a phone I can type up a longer response!

    So, I’ve double cleansed for a very long time – even before I discovered Asian skin care. A woman that worked at an Origins counter about 15 years ago told me that washing my face without taking off my makeup first was like jumping in the shower with my clothes on. I don’t know how I feel about that exact analogy, but it did manage to stick with me.

    In the past I would use Cold Cream or makeup wipes, but now that I’ve discovered oil cleansers I’ll never look back. At the moment, I’m using Missha’s Deep Cleansing Oil and I absolutely love it.

    Because of my skin type, using a scrub every day would be too harsh for me. I use either a foaming cleanser or a cream cleanser for my second step most days. Lately I’ve been incorporating either Missha’s Peeling Gel or TonyMoly’s Appletox Peeling cream a couple of times a week.

    The Missha Peeling Gel has AHA in it, as well as some gentle scrubbing properties. Have you tried it before? I think you’d like it!

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    It’s interesting what you say about having double cleansed before you knew about the Asian skincare.

    From your photos you look like you have REALLY good skin, so it’s good to know what you do that works, I’d like to follow your methods and try to have good skin too.

    I need to get into oil cleansers, but I’ve been trying to save money recently, and I’m on a no buy (not to worry, I have a huge stockpile of a lot of stuff until I can buy again, lol). It’s #1 on my to try list because of their ability to take makeup off so well and NOT strip skin. Great first cleanse step!!

    If I recall, you use a daily retin-A, so I bet a scrub daily would be so harsh. As for me, I have VERY thick skin, if I don’t scrub it off it clogs all my pores. It’s a major cause of acne for me. How is the Missha Peeling Gel? (I apologize if you reviewed it and I missed it, I’m behind on my reading.) Peeling gels are very interesting to me!

    I love AHA so I think it’s a good recommendation for me ^_^ Thank you very much!

  6. Natasha Says:

    I’ve double-cleansed for a long time, but just didn’t label it as such.

    I remove my make-up with a cleansing wipe (some are better than others), then do an oil cleanse, then serum, then moisturizer at night.

    I don’t double-cleanse in the morning unless it’s a late morning and I have to wear serious sunscreen for my morning “walk”.

    I love Kerry’s analogy of cleansing before removing makeup as showering with your clothes on — that’s exactly how I see it!

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    You have such pretty skin too, and you’re as much of a skincare aficionado as we are, I should not be surprised that you double cleansed for a long time too. You’re very savvy ^_^

    What cleansers are you using now? Do you have a cleansing wipe that you like a lot? (Again, my apologies if you’ve written about this already, I am behind in my reading).

  7. TiffanyB Says:

    I love this article. Do you mind if I link back to this from my blog?

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    Tiffany B,

    Thank you! I don’t mind at all, I’m flattered actually.

    (PS We have the same first name, awesome!)

  8. richard Says:

    do you only double cleanse at night if you are wearin makeup? and when double cleansing how much time should each cleanse be when cleansing twice?

    Tiffany Martin Reply:

    I double cleanse morning and night, but I have titan skin, I think other people should choose cleansers that match their skin needs, and follow up with a good regimen, if a person overdoes it and hurts their skin they should also adjust.

    I know some kpop idols will spend 3 minutes each cleanse but I’m not sure that’s for everyone. It certainly isn’t a good suggestion if you use typical western cleansers with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/SLS (not to be confused with SLES) or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS). Use a gentle cleanser if you plan to wash for that long. As for me, if my skin is really gross or dull I will wash longer with the 1st or 2nd wash.

    I hope that helps~

  9. Ali Says:

    I was so keen to try Missha until I found out they test on animals. How disappointing.

Leave a Reply

Posted by Cake-Pie
Dated: 6th March 2013
Filled Under: Beauty, Solutions


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Curriculum & Instruction 2012 Teacher Education Admission Board Deadline
Start Date: 11/26/2012 All Day
End Date: 11/26/2012

Event Description:
The Teacher Education Admission Board deadline is November 26th for students who meet the Admission Criteria and must board prior to the next semester in order to have a full‐time class schedule. Please visit 321 Warf-Pickel Hall for an application or print your application from the CCOE website . Your application must be submitted in 321 Warf-Pickel Hall prior to the deadline to be eligible for an interview (December 11-13). Sign up for an interview time in the CUAI office (401 Warf-Pickel Hall). Follow any further instructions given by the CUAI office.
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Saturday, October 27, 2007

BI Publisher Barcoding in Oracle Applications 11i Tips

(to see a follow-up and more in-detail posting related to this post, go here- link) Now that I have some nice screen shots to accompany this, here we go. Note: I did use some of the material that can be found on Tim Dexter's Oracle BI Publisher Blog, just to give some due credit. I merely added more details for some of you that like to SEE things working too.

First, this will not cover how to develop a BI Publisher Template, that is a whole 'nother topic. This will also not talk about how to register the template or the data definition in Oracle Applications. That will be covered in another posting as well. This is more focused on how to get barcodes installed, into your templates, and to make sure they're registered in Apps as well and appearing on your reports.

Finally I will be covering some 2-d barcoding later. This post is for standard 1-d barcodes. For those that don't know, 2-d barcodes are the funky blurry looking square barcodes that UPS, Federal Express and some others use. It lets them scan the barcode in any direction, not just up and down.

1. Install the barcode font in your WINDOWS_HOME/fonts directory

2. Check your fonts directory to make sure you have the font installed and it is present.

3. To test the output you need to let the publisher engine know where the font is on the desktop. Under the Bi Publisher client install directory you'll find a config directory and under there an 'xdo example.cfg' file. Here I also show a finished xdo.cfg file too. NOTE that any time I reference this xdo.cfg file, I am referring to the local file on your machine. Editing this won't help you see fonts in Oracle Apps- you need to load the font to Apps to see your templates using it there. This is also covered below. I mention the xdo.cfg file because people like to test templates locally on their own computer first.

Open it up and you'll see a sample entry for a font:

Here is an example of an 'after' of what your changes may look like in this file: (note the directory and that we are only showing the portions we changed with respect to the above XML)

font family="CarolinaBar-B39-25D1"
truetype path="C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\CarolinaBar-B39-25D1-Normal.TTF"

Note you can have more entries too, for example if you need a font to be in italics, or another entry if you need the font to be in bold. Then again, remember we are dealing with barcodes here... :) Just change the entry to point to your font via the path and for the family attribute put in the name you see in Word when selecting the barcode font.

4. Rename the file to xdo.cfg for the changes to take effect.

5. Open Word, and test your template. I will use this standard template seen below. Note the fields near the top in the Vendor and the Ship To boxes.

6. Now we need to make sure also we have an asterisk * placed just before and after our fields that need to be coded into barcodes. These are wrapping or ‘escape’ characters for the barcode. So do this as seen in the next picture:

7. Then, using Microsoft Word, I highlight the fields that will be barcoded, as can be seen below. I then proceed to choose from the font menu my barcode font of choice for those highlighted areas. Note you must have registered them properly to even be seen in Word.

8. And there we have it seen below, at least in the template!

Now you need to deploy to the server. The template is simple enough, but we need the server publisher engine to know the location of the font. For both EBS and standalone there is an interface to load the font to the server, the steps are now pretty straightforward. In EBS just use the Font Manager.

Many of you will have seen the Administrator module on the Template manager in the E Business Suite ... the new properties UI is great and much easier to use but you can now also manage those troublesome MICR, Barcode and other fonts through the manager too.

XML Publisher 5.6 has a new tab: Administration. This replaces the xdo.cfg configuration file. Now fonts can be uploaded and stored in the database instead of stored on the file system.

Under the Administration tab are sub tabs: Configuration, Font Mappings and Font Files and Currencies.

To install a font requires only a few steps.

1. Log in as XML Publisher Administrator.

2. Navigate to Administration->Font Files->Create Font File.

3. Fields are 'Font Name' and 'File'. For Font Name choose any descriptive name. File will browse your PC to locate the font file.

4. Navigate to Font Mappings Tab->Create Font Mapping Set.

5. Mapping name is the name you will give to a set of fonts.

6. Mapping code is the internal name you will give to this set.

7. Type: 'PDF Form' for PDF templates. 'FO to PDF' for all other template types.

8. Now, Create Font Mapping (this allows you to add multiple fonts to a font mapping set). After you created the Font Mapping Set itself, you need to look in the bottom right AGAIN and choose the button Create Font Mapping (this allows you to add multiple fonts to a Mapping Set that you just created). Screenshot of the new screen below:

9. Note: Font Family is the exact same name you see in Microsoft Word under Fonts.
If you don't use the same name the font will not be picked up at runtime. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
10.The following screen shot shows us a screen with a font mapping set, with 2 font mappings inside of it. You can see the font family how it is defined:
Note the font family MUST match the font name (not Filename) in the fonts directory that you uploaded the font from! Look below!

10. Style and weight must also match how you use the font in windows.
Normal and Normal are good defaults. If you want bold or italics, you must have the fonts registered in the windows directory we discussed, as well as in your xdo.cfg file.

11. Navigate to Configuration General-> FO Processing->Font Mapping Set.
This can also be done at data definition and template level under Edit Configuration.
A screenshot below shows the way to get to the Edit Configuration if you need to do it AT the d
ata definition or template level. :

Hierarchy is Site-> Data Def -> Template.

13. Select your new mapping set.

14. Make sure the font is not referenced under File->Properties->Custom in the RTF template file.

15. Upload a template that uses your special font and test using preview or in EBS.

  1. Hey Greg - Have you worked with Type 1 fonts? I am being asked to use an E13B.pfm font instead of GnuMICR and am not having any luck with the mapping. I have GnuMICR working fine currently but am being asked to change it. If you have any tips, that would be great.

  2. First off, I want to let you know I don't use this GnuMICR font, it was just in the file as an example. Next, I'd ask if you are trying to actually print the report output, or have you even been able to generate it to an output file, such as PDF? That being said, no I have never used that font you mention. It is not in this list of predefined fonts that require no additional setup: http://www.thoelen.net/doc/bi.1013/b40017/T421739T421745.htm#do_conf_prefont

    The other question I'd ask is, can you even get your new font working locally like I have shown with in the first part of the example that uses the xdo.cfg file? Try that first. If that is fine, move on to the server deplyment which is in the second half of the example.

    I hate to admit it but you have to be very specific and precise with registering a font in the xml publisher responsibility menus. If something is out of place, especially the font family names, it might not work and appear on the report output right out of apps.

  3. This is just what I was looking for. The templates are a nice idea. Good Luck
    more templates easy to download

  4. Greg, you are a life saver. I did everything except for step 14. After completing step 14. It works like a charm. Now I just need to figure out how to secure the signature file. Thanks a lot.