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When you have credit card debt and payments to make on your home and car, paying off your student debt may not seem like a top priority. However, unpaid student debt can have serious negative consequences on your credit score and financial future.
- Settling student debt is not as easy as settling consumer debt.
- You will probably only be able to settle a student loan if it is in default.
- It pays to hire a specialist to negotiate your settlement deal.
What can you do about student debt? Can you settle it? The answer is “it depends.” You can, however, forget about treating most student debt settlement the same way you handle consumer debt settlement.
You can only settle a student loan if it’s in default or near it.
Almost no creditors will settle a student loan that is not in default or near it. Even if your reasons for requesting settlement are legitimate, your creditors are under no obligation to negotiate a settlement with you.
When Can You Settle a Student Loan?
You can only expect to strike a deal with your loan holder if:
- Your loan is in default or about to be in default
- You have the money to pay off the settlement in a lump sum
- Settlement is a last-resort solution short of court judgment or bankruptcy
- Your loan holder can expect to recover more money by settling than by pursuing full repayment
Settlement of Federal Student Loans
Federal student debt settlement is rare. The debt holders involved with such loans have their hands tied by the federal government. They cannot afford to be creative when attempting to recover funds. Additionally, they can garnish wages and tax refunds to recover a debt.
In some extreme cases, you may be able to settle your federal student loan.
- If your loan holder finds that it can’t recover money from you through wage garnishment or other such means, it may be willing to settle. Some people do not earn wages and don’t pay taxes, so the government can’t recover any money from them.
- If you defaulted on your loan before, used rehabilitation to clear your credit history, and defaulted on it again, your loan holder may consider that it has run out of other options and give debt settlement a chance.
- If you can make a solid case that you can’t afford to repay your debt, you may be able to get debt relief via settlement. You need to submit pay stubs, tax returns, and bills to build a credible case.
Settlement of Private Student Loans
Private student loan providers have more freedom in deciding how to recover the money they have loaned out. Consequently, they may be more willing to settle. Also, they can’t garnish your wages or use other tools federal lenders can use to recover assets.
If you can prove to your lender that it won’t be able to recover more money from you in the future, there’s a decent chance that it might want to settle. If you can make a lump-sum payment, your chances of reaching a deal increase significantly.
Some private student loan holders may try to sue you to obtain the right to garnish your wages. Strong legal representation may dissuade them from this course of action.
Bear in mind that while private lenders may be more willing to settle, nothing guarantees that they will. It is entirely up to them whether they grant you this form of debt relief.
How to Negotiate a Student Debt Settlement
To negotiate a student debt settlement, you basically have three routes to consider:
- The DIY approach: Reach out to your creditors and let them know you are open to settlement. Allow them to make an offer.
- Lawyer up: Hire a specialized student loan lawyer to handle the negotiation for you.
- Professional debt settlement: If you have a private student loan, which is considered unsecured debt, get in touch with a debt settlement company and let it handle the process. Contact a ClearOne Certified Debt Specialist at 866-481-1597 today to learn what your debt relief options are.
Experienced negotiators may get you a better settlement deal.
How Much Can You Save through a Student Loan Settlement?
Unlike consumer debt settlement, a student loan settlement will not save you much. Federal student loan holders can give you limited concessions only. A typical federal student loan settlement may allow these options:
- Pay the remaining principal and interest without any collection charges
- Pay the principal and half of the unpaid interest that has accrued since the loan went into default
- Pay 90% of the current balance of principal and interest
As far as private loans go, some loan holders may settle for less than 50% of your principal. Again, there are no guarantees in this regard. Also, remember that you will owe income tax on any forgiven debt.
Another Option: Settle Credit Card Debt Instead
If you are having a problem with paying your student loan and credit card debt, you may find that it is easier to negotiate your credit card debt than your student loan.
For most people, credit card debt is the most expensive type of debt to carry. Getting out of credit card debt may enable you to have enough breathing room in your budget to make student loan payments comfortably.
The Content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any information on this website as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. All Content on this site is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing on the Site constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the site constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed. Please consult a professional financial advisor for your personal financial advice.


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28th Alzheimer's Disease Research Conference
Name: 28th Alzheimer's Disease Research Conference
Date: September 22, 2017
Time: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM PDT
“The Elephant in the Room: Sensitive Subjects in Dementia Care,” will shed light on the real challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s disease in an effort to reduce stigma and facilitate conversation among families and health care providers. The Annual Southern California Alzheimer’s Disease Research Conference is hosted by the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) in partnership with Alzheimer’s Orange County. Reaching a diverse audience of over 400 clinicians, researchers, students, aging-services providers, and caregivers, the conference brings together nationally renowned researchers to address our nation’s progress in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

domain: biology


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Limehouse canal loop in January. The plan was to start at Kings Cross and head west along the Regents Canal, but it didn't work out. It was to be much better than that.
Before striding out towards Camden I thought I'd have a quick look at the entrance of the Islington Tunnel, which opened back in 1818. There were a couple of boats waiting at the entrance, presumably as the tunnel was occupied, and indeed shortly after the first of a trio of narrowboats made its appearance (above).
The waiting boats began to get ready, mostly well crewed, but one had just a single crew and maybe because he wanted company or maybe could read my mind he asked if I'd like to go through on his boat. Err.... that would be a yes.
So off we headed, heading not west as planned but east, into the dark:
AirBnB if you want to stay. I told him stories of the ARC, 21 days spent sailing across the Atlantic.
Slowly the far end grew brighter until we emerged the other side of the Angel:
I continued walking east, following the canal towards Limehouse, out in the bright sunshine.

domain: geography


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Arrives in 3-7 Business Days
Caldecott Award-winner Simms Taback infuses this favorite children's rhyme with his distinctive, creative flair and humor. His Jack builds a house like no other and fills it with cheeses from all nations, which of course attracts the rat that stirs up the cat. Taback takes the usual cast of characters in this classic cumulative rhyme and presents each in a funny new light that will keep readers laughing. His addition at the end neatly fits an appropriate character into Jack's story and makes his telling even more unique.

domain: literature


- What causes a high pressure area?
- How do I increase barometric pressure in my house?
- Does cold air mean high pressure?
- What is it called when air moves from high pressure to low pressure?
- How does air move between high and low pressure systems?
- Does air rise or sink in a high pressure system?
- Does air flow from high to low pressure?
- What is the difference between low pressure and high pressure?
- What weather is high pressure?
- What are high and low pressure areas?
- Does high pressure mean rain?
- Which way is air moving if there is an area of high pressure?
- How does a low pressure system form?
- Is hot air high pressure?
- Is high pressure hot or cold?
What causes a high pressure area?
The Earth’s atmosphere exerts pressure on the surface.
Areas of high and low pressure are caused by ascending and descending air.
As air warms it ascends, leading to low pressure at the surface.
As air cools it descends, leading to high pressure at the surface..
How do I increase barometric pressure in my house?
Inside air leaks through bathroom, stove and other vents. Cool the home by running the air conditioner, opening windows on a cool day or using ceiling fans. Cool air sinks, suppressing air molecules and increasing air pressure. Warmer air rises, lowering air pressure.
Does cold air mean high pressure?
Cold air is more dense, therefore it has a higher pressure. Warm air is less dense and has a lower pressure associated with it. As the sun heats the ground, the air near the ground warms. Remember, heat is less dense than cold air so the warm air will rise.
What is it called when air moves from high pressure to low pressure?
Movement of air caused by temperature or pressure differences is wind. … In fact, the air moving from high to low pressure follows a spiralling route, outwards from high pressure and inwards towards low pressure.
How does air move between high and low pressure systems?
Air in high pressure systems moves in an anticlockwise direction (in the southern hemisphere), while air in low pressure systems moves in a clockwise direction due to the rotation of the Earth. At the surface of the Earth air flows from high pressure systems into low pressure systems.
Does air rise or sink in a high pressure system?
Well, high pressure is associated with sinking air, and low pressure is associated with rising air. … The opposite occurs with high pressure. Air is moving away from the high pressure center at the surface (or “diverging”) so as a result, air from above must sink to take its place.
Does air flow from high to low pressure?
The Short Answer: Gases move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. And the bigger the difference between the pressures, the faster the air will move from the high to the low pressure. That rush of air is the wind we experience.
What is the difference between low pressure and high pressure?
A low pressure system has lower pressure at its center than the areas around it. Winds blow towards the low pressure, and the air rises in the atmosphere where they meet. … A high pressure system has higher pressure at its center than the areas around it. Winds blow away from high pressure.
What weather is high pressure?
Low-pressure systems are associated with clouds and precipitation that minimize temperature changes throughout the day, whereas high-pressure systems normally associate with dry weather and mostly clear skies with larger diurnal temperature changes due to greater radiation at night and greater sunshine during the day.
What are high and low pressure areas?
High-pressure areas usually are areas of fair, settled weather. Low-pressure areas are places where the atmosphere is relatively thin. Winds blow inward toward these areas. This causes air to rise, producing clouds and condensation.
Does high pressure mean rain?
High and low pressure zones indicate distinctly different types of weather on the way. Low pressure is associated with rain and storms, while high air pressure system tends to mean clear, fair weather.
Which way is air moving if there is an area of high pressure?
A low pressure area would have a clockwise turning and a high pressure area a counterclockwise turning. and Winds Around High Pressure Systems Turn in the Opposite Direction of the Earth’s Rotation.
How does a low pressure system form?
Low pressure areas form when atmospheric circulations of air up and down remove a small amount of atmosphere from a region. This usually happens along the boundary between warm and cold air masses by air flows “trying” to reduce that temperature contrast.
Is hot air high pressure?
Hot air has high pressure than cold air. Atmospheric pressure depends on temperature. When the temperature rises air expands. … It can, however, be said that the energy of hot air is greater than cold air, at the same pressure.
Is high pressure hot or cold?
High pressure systems can be cold or warm, humid or dry. The origin of a high-pressure region determines its weather characteristics. If a high-pressure system moves into Wisconsin from the south during the summer, the weather is usually warm and clear.


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The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced the guidelines for workers to use their retirement savings to obtain home loans. PenCom issued guidelines last year on accessing retirement savings account (RSA) balances towards payment of equity contributions for a residential mortgage, and the recent statement aims to explain the process for employees to own residential homes before exiting active employment.
According to the commission, a significant challenge for most employees is their inability to provide equity contribution to access a mortgage loan to own a house. The Pension Reform Act 2014 (PRA 2014) provides a solution to this challenge by allowing RSA holders to use part of their retirement savings as equity contributions for residential mortgages.
The processes required for accessing RSA balances for payment of equity contributions are as follows: obtaining an offer letter, requesting an RSA statement, issuance of mortgage offer letter, verification by mortgage lender, review of application by PenCom, and remittance of approved amount to the mortgage lender.
The first step for an interested applicant is to obtain an offer letter for the property from the owner or approved agent and approach a mortgage lender to fill out an application form. The mortgage lender must review the application form and verify the genuineness of the property offer.
After the property offer letter is confirmed, applicants are required to approach their pension fund administrator (PFA) and request their RSA statement to access 25% of their RSA balance for payment of equity contribution. Couples are allowed to apply jointly if they both meet the eligibility criteria, and each party shall apply to their respective PFAs with copies of the verified property offer letter.
Upon receiving the RSA statement, the mortgage lender verifies if 25% of the applicant’s RSA balance will be sufficient as an equity contribution. If it is insufficient, the mortgage lender requests the payment of supplementary equity contribution from the applicant.
After confirmation of the additional equity contribution payment and meeting other requirements, the mortgage lender shall offer a mortgage loan to the applicant. Within two working days of issuing the mortgage offer letter to the applicant, the mortgage lender must forward to the applicant’s PFA copies of the mortgage offer letter, the mortgage application form, and the verified property offer letter.
PenCom reviews all applications submitted by PFAs and approves or rejects them. Where the commission declines to approve an application, it communicates the reason(s) for its decision to the PFA. Upon receiving the commission’s approval, the PFA is required to issue payment instruction to its pension fund custodian (PFC) to remit the approved amount to the mortgage lender within two working days.
PenCom emphasizes that PFAs are obligated to ensure that all applications for equity contribution by RSA holders meet the guidelines’ requirements. This move by PenCom is expected to help more employees access home loans, which will lead to an increase in homeownership in the country.

domain: finance


Large capacity SGMVV type servo motor.
Rated output: 45KW.
Voltage: three phase AC400V.
Serial encoder: 20 bit delta.
Rated speed: 1500r\/min.
The main mechanical structure: flange type, straight shaft (without keyway and screw).
Optional parts: with hold brake (DC24V).
The use of small, low inertia servo motor, also can give full play to the strength of the mechanical prooperties SGDH-60AE
The new model SGMVV with a rated output of 22~55KW, the amount of passenger speed 800r\/min and 1500r\/min products SGDH-60AE.
After the motor is installed, the phase is started to run immediately.
Even if the servo is not adjusted, as long as the moment of inertia is within the allowable range,
Even if the load changes, it can be driven stably, and the vibration will not happenFull closed loop module SGDH-60AE.
Maximum applicable motor capacity: 0.4kw.
Power supply voltage: three phase AC200V.
Interface: MECHATROLINK- II communication command type (rotary servo motor).
Design sequence: B.
Hardware specification: base mounting type (standard).
Matching (software): no matching (standard) Yaskawa SGDH-60AE.
Matching (parameters): no matching (standard).
Optional modules: full closed loop module.
Full closed loop control system is used to control the rotating servo motor.
Please install the servo unit.
Using the position feedback signal which is output by the external encoder (linear grating ruler) installed on the side of the machine to realize the high precision and high response Yaskawa SGDH-60AE.
External encoder capable of corresponding high resolution (linear grating).
Type: SGDH type drive.
Voltage: three phase 200V Yaskawa SGDH-60AE.
Mode: torque, speed, position.
Test platform for mutual feedback of servo driver and motor.
Test platform with adjustable analog load.
A test platform with an actuator that has no load is used.
Test platform for driving the inherent load by using motor.
Test platform using on line test method.
This test system is composed of three parts,
Were measured servo driver - motor system, the system inherent load and host computer.
The host computer sends the speed command signal to the servo driver, and the servo system starts to runn according to the instruction SGDH-60AE.
In the course of operation, the running data of the servo system is collected by the host computer and the data acquisition circuit,
And carries on the preservation, the analysis and the display to the data.


text: Knaack Jobmaster Storage Cabinets provide easy access storage for small, big, and in-between tools and equipment. The deep door design gives you maximum pry-bar resistance and the convenient foot latch allows for hands free operation. The Knaack Jobmaster Storage Cabinets are a heavy duty security solution perfect for any worksite. Knaack Jobmaster Cabinets are incredibly secure and configurable for any need. They act as a remote tool crib and offer "glance and grab" organization while providing heavy duty tool and equipment storage security.

domain: design


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This contributed post is for informational purposes only. Please consult a business, financial and legal professional before making any decisions. We may earn money or products from the affiliate links in this post.
The real estate industry is one of the largest industries in the United States. The sector is estimated to be worth around $226 billion, with much more room to grow. This has been the case for many years.
Real estate has been around for centuries and has long been considered a profitable venture. So, what makes real estate such a lucrative business? Read on to find out.
One of the main reasons why real estate is such a profitable venture is because it is a solid investment. Unlike other businesses, which can be volatile, the real estate market typically does not fluctuate as much. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but generally, the real estate market is stable. This stability makes real estate a safe investment for those looking to make money.
Additionally, real estate can be a hedge against inflation. If the value of a currency falls, then the real estate market will typically hold its value. This makes it an excellent place to invest your money if you are worried about inflation.
Another reason real estate is such an excellent business is that there will always be a demand for housing. For example, right now, people are looking for homes more than ever, despite the pandemic and the predicted recession.
No matter what the economy looks like, people will always need somewhere to live. This high demand means that there will always be buyers in the market, making it a safe bet that you can sell your property relatively quickly.
Good Profit Margin
Finally, real estate can be so profitable because you can make a lot of money through this venture. If you play your cards right and invest in the right property, you make a significant profit when you sell it. For instance, if you purchase a fixer-upper and put some time and money into fixing it up, you can sell it at a much higher price than you initially and pocket the difference. However, it’s also important to remember that real estate is a long-term investment.
Unlike stocks or other investments, which can be volatile and unpredictable, real estate is much more stable, making it a better long-term investment. Sure, there will always be ebbs and flows, but if you purchase property in a good location and take care of it, chances are the value will only go up over time. This makes real estate one of the safest investments – which is why so many people choose to invest their money in this way.
There are many reasons why real estate is such a profitable venture. From its stability to its high demand and earning potential, there are plenty of reasons why now might be the time for you to get involved in this lucrative business! If you want to get started, follow these two tips!
Get a Mortgage!
The first step in investing in real estate is getting a mortgage. Essentially, mortgages are loans that you use to finance the cost of your real estate purchase. While taking out a mortgage and making monthly payments can be daunting, they must start investing in real estate.
There are many benefits to getting a mortgage than paying upfront with cash. First, these loans are flexible. For example, if you use your money to purchase a property, you won’t have access to it for your mortgage. However, with a mortgage, you can continue using that money as needed and only pay interest on what you use.
Second, it makes purchasing real estate more attainable. Third, they help to lessen the upfront cost of buying property, making this investment approachable for many people who might not otherwise be able to purchase property due to limited funds.
Lastly, this kind of loan offers tax advantages. When you take out a mortgage for your real estate investment, some tax benefits are associated with it – namely, deductions on your taxes when you itemize your return. This makes getting a mortgage an attractive option for those interested in investing in real estate.
After you get a mortgage, it’s time to flip your first home. This is the best and easiest way to start investing in real estate. Home flipping involves purchasing a property sold at a discount because it is old and needs repairs or renovations.
You then put your time and money into fixing the home to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Then, when you’re done, you sell it for a much higher price than what you initially paid – pocketing the difference as profit.
Real estate is a profitable industry and one you should consider investing in. Whether you get a mortgage to purchase your first property or flip homes for profit, this investment opportunity should definitely be explored!


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Part-time cooler, part-time purse, this plastic lined cooler is perfect for a day at the beach, park, or festival! Coolers don't have to be bulky, they can also be cute.
Clear quartz earrings that call for a double take. Handmade clear quartz earrings lovely with any outfit. Small: 15-20 x 5-8mm Made by hand in the USA
We've got two damn good reasons to shake your head with these iridescent quartz handmade earrings you'll definitely be the talk of the town. Small: 15-20 x 5-8mm Made by...
Blingy gold quartz earrings. Small: 15-20 x 5-8mm Made by hand in the USA

domain: artistic


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Species: Trifolium pratense
Common names: Red clover, Cow clover, Meadow clover, Trefoil, bee-bread, wild clover.
History/Folklore: Red clover has been used for centuries as part of herbal medicine. It has been used to treat liver disease, cancer, respiratory problems and joint issues. Externally it was used to treat skin problems and speed healing. Traditionally, Red clover is used to improve circulation, increase production of urine, purify the blood and relieve symptoms of menopause.
Another benefit of Red Clover is its use as fodder for grazing animals. It is also used as a green manure and helps if nitrogen fixation. Red Clover is the state flower of Vermont as well as the official flower of Denmark.
Leaves are oblong, green with a white crescent. Flower heads have around 15 magenta/purple tubular flowers. Red clover reaches a height of up to 2 feet.
Parts Used: Flowers, leaves and stems
Collection: When in flower before completely open. April through November
Actions: depurative, diuretic, tonic, estrogenic, antispasmodic, antfungal
Indications: Helps to purify the blood as well as increase urine output. Supports health by nourishing the body. Contains isoflavones which act like estrogen in the body. Has been used to alleviate symptoms of Menopause and PMS. Can be used topically for eczema and other skin conditions.
Contraindications: Avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Plant Type: short lived

domain: medical


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OKLAHOMA CITY — When the team has a roster that’s pretty much set, experience and a proven record of winning, the preseason is a chance to do some evaluating.
So here it goes:
Kevin Durant is still good.
OK, no news there, but what Tuesday night against the Nuggets showed was Durant is good enough to carry a team, this Oklahoma City team, by himself.
And yes, he’s gonna have to do it for a good portion of this season, so might as well get some run doing it now during the preseason.
In 22 minutes, Durant scored 36 points on 13-of-20 shooting. He had six rebounds and four assists and if Denver’s Anthony Randolph tries to guard him in the regular season anything like he did Tuesday in Oklahoma City, Durant will score 80 points.
Durant didn’t play after the 5:06 mark of the third quarter, and rightfully so. It’s time to save his legs. If he doesn’t play another minute of the exhibition schedule, that would be too much, and while he’d never admit it, this season is going to come down to how much Durant can do.
It’s been a lot in the past half-decade, but in the playoffs last year against Memphis, it wasn’t enough. Durant faltered in the last few minutes of the last four games and the Thunder lost them all. That’s what happens when Russell Westbrook isn’t available and no one else can be counted on with any real regularity.
So, yes, coach Scott Brooks is – he has to be, right? – using the preseason desperately trying to figure out who will play, what rotations and lineups to use and who will be the No. 2 to Durant.
And Durant does have help. Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson are good complements, but this preseason hasn’t been the best for uncovering any truths about Jeremy Lamb or Steven Adams. Not yet, anyway.
But you have to wonder if the dialogue behind closed doors is about how much the Thunder will let Durant loose. Play him 45-plus minutes and hope for the best until Westbrook returns, or limit his legs in case Westbrook doesn’t come back as soon as projected?
We’ve seen Durant do it before and we saw it again Tuesday. And not to take too much from a preseason game, but once again Durant didn’t have much consistent help. Durant made four-of-eight 3-pointers. The rest of the team went one-of-nine.
Lamb, who has to be treating the preseason as an open audition for extended playing time, has not been good. Lamb went 3-for-12 Tuesday. He’s nine-for-33 in the preseason.
“I’ve just got to go back to the drawing board,” Lamb said. “Trust in all the work.”
Now we’ll see if Brooks has the same trust Lamb does. Outside of Durant, the Thunder are just 5-for-41 on 3-pointers through three preseason games.
“We got better tonight,” Brooks said, talking defense and team chemistry and all the kind of things coaches say because they believe them. But what about the shooting? What about the help for Durant?
“We’re not pushing the panic button after three preseason games,” Brooks said. “We have guys, I believe in their shooting ability. We’re going to keep working on it.”
And Durant will have to keep working, too. The question will be how many minutes and how much pressure he’ll put on himself to carry the team.
“I think that’s manufactured through the media,” Brooks said of what pressures Durant may or may not feel. “The pressure is to play for your teammates every night. He does that every single night and I could not be more proud of him.”
Durant may not just be feeling the pressure to play for his teammates. He’s going to have to score for them, too.

domain: news


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Latest Pictures of JELO (Louis and Jenny Koko) Ultimate Love 2020 (Video)
Some of the latest pictures and videos of JELO (Louis and Jenny Koko) were evicted in the week 5 of the Ultimate Love reality show season 1. The pictures and video were compiled after the love couples left the love pad. JELO eviction from the Ultimate Love reality show came as they got the least percentage of votes in the week 5 which was held on March 15th, 2020. JELO seem to have the chemistry we were looking to find in the show.
Here are some Latest pictures and video of JELO Ultimate Love couple.

domain: entertainment


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Taking photographs, to me, is really a kind of dream state,” says the English photographer Tim Walker. “As you tour your imagination, you want to photograph what you are seeing. You are so very keen to be able to show what you’ve seen that somehow it becomes true, and the picture you end up taking becomes a souvenir brought back from the daydream.”
A new exhibition at the V&A, Tim Walker: Wonderful Things, features images inspired by artefacts held in the museum’s collection. Here, Walker introduces five of the best.
Cynesias Entreating Myrrhina to Coition, 1896, by Aubrey Beardsley
I’ve always been seduced by the inky blackness, confidence and eroticism of Aubrey Beardsley’s illustrations. The V&A houses dozens of his prints. I wonder whether they’re more shocking today than they were when they were first seen over 100 years ago. Are we actually more prudish than the Victorians were?
I’ve known his work for years, but when I saw the prints close up, I could visualise them as photographs immediately. The challenge was to represent his mark-making – those seductive swirly shapes – in three-dimensional space, as if the models had stepped into a bawdy print. It felt like we were drawing in the air with suspended wires and beads.
Duckie Thot, Aubrey’s shadow, London, 2017
Portrait of Edith Sitwell, 1962, by Cecil Beaton
Dame Edith Sitwell had a striking personal style and was very photogenic, especially in her later years as she grew into her extraordinary looks. Her flamboyant wardrobe included velvet gowns, turbans, golden shoes and huge colourful rings. For this portrait, Tilda Swinton, a distant relative of Edith’s, inhabited the role of the poet at Renishaw Hall, the gothic house built in Derbyshire by the Sitwell family in the 17th century. The picture is a celebration of age and individuality – it’s a misconception that beauty is confined to the young. As Edith once said: “Why not be oneself?”
Tilda Swinton, Renishaw Hall, 2018
Tobias and Sara on their Wedding Night, c1520, Cologne, Germany
The stained glass at the V&A is a kaleidoscope of glorious transparent colours, where each panel tells a different story. There’s something special for me about vibrant, transparent colour – Christmas lights, sweet wrappers, the red light bulb in a photographic darkroom.
Illuminated red makes me think of my mother. When I was little, she made five big red silk lampshades for our sitting room. A warm glow came out of the house on winter evenings. For me, that colour represents coming home.
Sara Grace Wallerstedt, London, 2018
Krishna’s combat with Indra, Mughal Indian, c1590
Exploring the V&A’s historical paintings from South Asia reminded me how I feel when I’m in that part of the world. Luckily, England was experiencing a heatwave when we shot this picture, and the Worcestershire delphinium fields were illuminated in an intense Indian light.
Zo, Kiran Kandola, Firpal, Yusuf, Ravyanshi Mehta, Jeenu Mahadevan, Chawntell Kulkami, Radhika Nair, Pershore, Worcestershire, 2018
Dress from ‘The Horn of Plenty’ Autumn Winter collection, 2009, by Alexander McQueen
This picture is a love letter to the conservators, curators and archivists at the museum. The work they do, with great sensitivity and care, is vital. Seeing the dress by Alexander McQueen exquisitely wrapped up at the V&A Clothworkers’ Centre, it became a beautiful ghost. I imagined the characters in this photograph as mannequins coming to life in the museum. When I work with great models like Karen Elson, I often feel as if they control my camera – we perform a telepathic gestural dance.
Karen Elson, Sgaire Wood & James Crewe, London, 2018


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"The more you know, the more loose ends you find," says Moore, an emeritus professor of atmospheric physics at New Mexico Tech. Within the last year, the team found that the leader coming down from a thundercloud radiates x-rays.
One piece of knowledge that still eludes scientists is one of the most basic: how storm clouds become electrically charged in the first place.
Seeking the answer, Rison climbs high into the Magdalena Mountains, where New Mexico Tech maintains one of the world's premier lightning research facilities, Langmuir Lab. At 11,000 feet, it's right where the action is.
"We can put our instruments right on top of the mountain, knowing that the storm should be formed there, so we can study a thunderstorm from its birth, through its mature stages, to its death," says Rison.
What Rison is doing is called lightning "mapping" and it is done by strategically placing an array of detectors on the mountain around Langmuir.
The detectors that make up the mapping array pick up radio impulses given off by lightning. Those impulses are picked up by an antenna, and travel through a cable to a recorder.
Using computer imaging, Rison and his colleagues at Langmuir can translate the array data into moving images that show the anatomy of a strike.
Bolt from the Blue
The mapping may help to explain some of lightning's most bizarre behavior. Tracking one bolt on the monitor, it seems to be a typical cloud-to-cloud discharge. But then, something startling happens: It abruptly changes direction and arcs upward and outward, striking the ground miles from where it began. Lightning researchers call this a "bolt from the blue," which, scientists are discovering, are not all that rare.
It seems possible that just such a bolt "from the blue" struck Patricia Stribling.
"It wasn't a stormy day," says Stribling, "it was in May, drizzly, overcastit wasn't a day that you'd think there'd be lightning."
Stribling's only visible injury was a mild burn on the top of her head. And though she now has an acute sensitivity to light that she can't explain, she's lucky to be alive.
"You really do need to be careful when there's a thunderstorm in the area, even five or ten miles awaythe lightning can travel that far from the center of a storm and come to ground where you may be," says Rison.


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Samara customs informs traders about the order of granting of the statistical forms of the account of movement of goods
Samara customs reminds the participants of foreign economic activities about the need to preserve the order of granting of the statistical form of the movement of goods to the customs authority.
In accordance with the decree of the government of the Russian Federation from 07 Dec 2015 №1329 “On the organization of statistics of mutual trade of the Russian Federation with States-members of the Eurasian economic Union,” the Russian person that concluded a transaction under which goods are exported from the Russian Federation to the countries of the Eurasian economic Union, or imported into the territory of the Russian Federation from these States, shall timely and free of charge to submit to customs authorities of statistical forms of the account of movement of goods.
The statistical form is submitted to the customs authority in the region of the applicant consists on the account in tax body in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on taxes and fees, no later than the 8th working day of the month following the month in which the goods are shipped from the warehouse or receiving items at the warehouse.
The statistical form is filled in with the use of the software, available on the official website of the Federal customs service in information and telecommunications network “Internet”.
The applicant is responsible for timely submission of statistical forms, completeness and accuracy of the information contained in aggregate form in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Please note that the official website of the Federal customs service of Russia (http://www.customs.ru) in the section “Representation of statistical forms” posted detailed instructions on the procedure for completing and submitting statistical forms, the procedure for obtaining a digital signature.
For failure to submit, late submission to the customs authorities of statistical forms of the account of movement of goods and for the submission of statistical forms containing inaccurate information (section 19.7.13 administrative code) establishes administrative responsibility.
Article 19.7.13 administrative code, a penalty on officials in the amount from 10 thousand to 15 thousand rubles; on legal entities – from 20 thousand to 50 thousand rubles. For repeated violation – a fine for officials in the amount from 20 thousand to 30 thousand rubles; on legal entities – from 50 thousand to 100 thousand rubles.
For all questions please contact the Department of customs statistics of the Samara customs by phone: 8(846) 933-73-65, 933-72-53, 933-73-33.
The press-Secretary of the Samara customs


Tracking Courage in Washington
We present Carnegie Endowment President Jessica Mathews’ views on the Iraq war.
October 28, 2004
Think tanks are supposed to help the rest of us figure out how to deal with future challenges — and how to avoid major pitfalls. But when the Bush Administration decided to go to war against Iraq, most U.S. politicians and think tank leaders hedged their bets. A rare exception was Jessica Mathews, president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. We present her views on Iraq.
What explains the ongoing U.S-European rift?
“Americans worry about Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Europeans worry about an America that seems to them so powerful, so angry, and so heedless of the concerns of others that it poses a threat to the international order Europe seeks to promote.”
Are the Europeans' concerns well-founded?
"U.S. conservatives pushed for a de facto return to empire. Announcing a global crusade on behalf of democracy is arrogant, blind to local realities, dangerous — and ignorant of history.”
How will history judge this so-called global endeavor?
“The Iraq War — regardless of the outcome — will bear one of history’s harshest judgments: an unnecessary war.”
What do you mean by unnecessary?
“Two supreme questions still demand convincing answers: ‘Why war?’ — and ‘Why now?’"
Has the current U.S. government provided any valuable answers?
“One central truth is still largely unappreciated. While the world’s best intelligence services were getting it wrong, United Nations inspectors were getting the picture in Iraq largely right.”
"In 1991-98, while facing unrelenting Iraqi obstruction, UN inspectors discovered and eliminated most of — if not all — of Iraq's unconventional weapons and production facilities."
Even if the threat of weapons had not been eliminated, was there a viable alternative to war?
“A package of international restraints — sanctions, procurement investigations and export/import controls combined with core inspections — had been more effective than has been appreciated then or since.”
What are the negative consequences of this unnecessary war?
"For the United States, the costs of such a war include the death of soldiers, economic losses caused by the effect of soaring oil prices on a fragile stock market, the need to post tens of thousands of troops in Iraq for many years, lingering resentment among allies whose cooperation we need — and the near certainty of creating legions of new terrorists who hate America."
How can the situation in Iraq be improved?
“The sooner we can add the legitimacy conferred by a U.N. political role, the greater our still slim chances of success.”
What explains global tension in recent years?
“September 11 changed the United States far more than it did the rest of the world.”
Which country was fastest to respond to the terror attacks on U.S. soil?
“No world leader grasped more quickly the opportunity September 11 offered him — or acted more decisively to seize it — than Vladimir Putin.”
"On the day of the attacks he was the first foreign head of state to call President Bush. He followed that with an extraordinary string of actions — and non-actions — that amount to a wholesale reorientation of Russia's foreign policy."
Who are some unintended beneficiaries of the U.S. war against terrorism?
“Central Asia's leaders feel freer to resist reform, believing that — as long as the United States needs their bases — they will be able to follow the policies that make them a danger to their populations.”
Does China get anything out of cooperating with the United States?
“September 11 has provided China with low-cost opportunities to cooperate with the United States through intelligence sharing and efforts to unearth terrorist-financing mechanisms.”
Might a long-standing arrangement between the United States and Arab regimes be coming to an end?
“For the first time, the wisdom of a long-standing bargain — U.S. tolerance of Arab political repression in return for oil and stability — has begun to be questioned.”
And finally, are you hopeful about the future?
"The best guide, I think, will be to ask ourselves: What kind of a world order would we like to have in place when our moment of dominance ends? What kind of world order ought we be trying to build towards."


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Part of the joy of attending conventions is discovering new products that you didn’t even know existed. At WonderCon 2018, Waxwork Records was exhibiting to bring fans of horror and vinyl together. Waxwork Records has not just movie soundtracks on vinyl, but publishes comics with an original soundtrack on vinyl, as well. Stephanie and Brian Gray caught up with Kevin to talk about Waxwork Records and working with top names in horror on these innovative projects.
It is WonderCon Weekend in Anaheim, California! This convention is one of the largest on the West coast (64,000 attendees in 2017) and is operated by the same team who bring San Diego Comic-Con to life each year. Known for its wide variety of exhibitors, excellent outside area for cosplay photos, and programs that need an arena to fit the crowds, WonderCon is a Southern California favorite. This year, WognderCon extended their offsite offerings to not just food trucks, but an “experience” as well. Fans could enter AMC’s “The Terror” for a preview of the new show in an atmospheric setting. Also new this year is Future Tech Live in the North Hall for demos of VR gaming. Check out some of our photos below. read more
“I am Negan” was a prevalent theme among the cosplayers at WonderCon. The iconic “The Walking Dead” villain that you hate to love could be found all over the convention floor. The cosplay was not just restricted to men: women and children got in on the fun, as well. So in honor of tonight’s season finale, here is the WonderCon Negan gallery.
WonderCon Anaheim is being held March 31 through April 2, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Now also known as Anaheim Comic-Con due to its affiliation with San Diego Comic-Con and its parent company, Comic-Con International, this convention is growing every year. Large and small press come to sell their wares, movie studios bring clips to impress thousands of fans in the Arena, and gaming companies bring their latest games to challenge the attendees. Because of the large outdoor area, the show is exceptionally popular with cosplayers. Brian Gray had his camera out and ready and got some great shots of creators, cosplayers, and horror merchandise. See the pictures below for a small sample of what this great show has to offer. read more


Next-Gen Document Camera
Epson’s DC-20 picks up where the DC-11 document camera left off with a 12X zoom lens that’s backed up with a 10X digital zoom as well as a variety of video connections. It can capture 1,920 by 1,080 resolution images, has a built-in microphone, a microscope adapter and comes with software for editing images and creating time-lapse videos of lab experiments. With the ability to hold up to 1GB of image data, the DC-20 can be used to play back stills and videos. The doc cam should be available in November for $500 with Epson’s Brighter Futures educational discount.


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LIFE & LOVE - RETIRED
This bead left the collection in 2018.
The scarab is a symbol of life and rebirth. Let it open your heart and may it be filled with love.
Life & Love is a quirky little Sterling Silver bead that can be used when designing your Trollbeads jewellery.
Style the Life & Love bead on a simple Sterling Silver Bracelet with the Sterling Silver Lock or on a Sterling Silver Bangle, Copper Bangle, Gold Plated Bangle or leather bracelet in a wide range of colours.
Item No. TAGBE-20071
Main Material: Silver 925
Availability: Not available