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New Stamp Design

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New Stamp Design

A French treasure is being celebrated with its own postage stamp: the baguette. And this one is scratch-and-sniff.

As Paris prepares to host millions of visitors for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the new stamp features a cartoon image of a baguette wrapped in a tricolor ribbon.

If you were to design a stamp to celebrate a “treasure” of the country or region where you live, what would you feature? What would the design look like? If it were scratch-and-sniff, what would it smell like?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.


Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Word of the Day: coalesce

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Word of the Day: coalesce

The word coalesce has appeared in 113 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on March 10 in “Klimt Landscape Show Is More, and Less, Than Expected” by Roberta Smith:

It was exciting to look forward to the exhibition “Klimt Landscapes,” now at the Neue Galerie. Klimt, of course, is Gustav Klimt (1862-1918), the Austrian modernist widely beloved for his paintings of the most beautiful women of Vienna’s haute bourgeoisie.

… Drawing primarily from its own holdings, the Neue has surrounded the few Klimt landscapes on hand with clusters of visual and archival material, some of it refreshingly unfamiliar. This includes photographs from family snapshots to fancy collotype reproductions of Klimt’s paintings, and enough pictures of the artist to make him the first modern art star. Also here: examples of Werkstätte furniture, jewelry and silverwork and related garments; posters and postcards. It is like so many dots waiting to be connected: Together they coalesce into an unusually intimate view of Klimt’s life, work and milieu.

Can you correctly use the word coalesce in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how coalesce can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes.


Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

Color Love | Tasty Orange

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Color Love | Tasty Orange

Color Love | Tasty Orange - featuring yellow, orange,red and blue

My original idea for this post was to suggest a yellow color palette that would be ideal for food bloggers. However, I’m not personally a big fan of the color yellow. I prefer more subdued or warmer tones, even when incorporating yellow in my designs. So, I’m thrilled to present to you today a tasty orange color palette that’s full of vivid and warm colors, with a touch of light blue for contrast. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Tasty Orange Color Palette

Orange and yellow hues are a delicious duo for food designs. These warm colors work together like a charm to whet your appetite, give you a happy boost, and captivate your attention. You can choose from a range of citrusy yellows to fiery oranges to set the mood you’re going for; however, my favorite combination will be one with bold red and very soft icy blue.

Tasty Orange Color Palette perfect for all food related content.

See our collection of other gorgeous color palettes by visiting our color palette section.


What do you think about this Tasty Orange Color Palette? I’d love to see how you incorporate these colors into your designs! Don’t hesitate to share your creations in the comments or on social media. Let’s inspire each other!

Make sure you take a look at our blog post about the importance of using color in blog design. It’s a really interesting read and will show you just how big of a role colors can play in your projects.



Looking for more inspiration?

Browse other color palettes. There are so many beautiful combinations out there to choose from!


Do you link spring colors?

If you’re looking for some fantastic logos, you should definitely check out our Etsy store. We’ve got a great selection that features some bold and warm tones that are sure to make you smile. Take a peek and see what catches your eye!


If you create something using today’s color palette, don’t forget to share it with me!

6 In-Demand AI Skills & How to Learn Them

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6 In-Demand AI Skills & How to Learn Them

Hiring tech pros with AI skills is more difficult than any other area of tech. Simply put, the growing demand for AI experts outweighs the supply — organizations are eager to incorporate AI into their businesses, but there’s a limited pool of AI talent to choose from. In fact, in Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Report 2023, 30% of IT decision-makers report having the most difficulty hiring qualified AI professionals.

So, what gives? Tech teams and job seekers are certainly up for the challenge of learning new skills. But keeping pace with rapidly changing AI technology and discerning which skills are worth investing in can be difficult for individuals. The good news: Learning in-demand AI skills can boost your earning potential and help you stand out in the job market.

Learning about AI with Codecademy is one of the smartest things you can do to further your career in tech. Our courses are interactive and utilize industry-leading AI tools, so you can get hands-on experience working with AI systems as you learn about the concepts that power them. And with our career paths, you can build a portfolio of impressive projects [link to other blog] that show employers you can apply AI skills to real-world scenarios.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are the most in-demand AI concepts, programming languages, frameworks, and systems as well as the courses and paths to start learning these skills.

Learn something new for free

Generative AI  

A report from Indeed examined which tech skills can have the biggest impact on salaries. When a job included “generative AI” as a desired skill, the salary rose 47%, making it the highest-paying skill in the report. While it doesn’t take any technical knowledge to write or say a prompt for ChatGPT, knowing the tactical ways to deploy generative AI in your coding work will expedite and level up your development work. Get under the hood and gain experience building complex AI models. Who knows? You could be the one to drive the future of software innovation. 

Start learning:

Machine learning  

Machine learning is the process of using algorithms to detect patterns in data and build models that represent aspects of reality. These models (whether accurate or not) are trained to perform various tasks. Machine Learning Engineers develop systems that enable computers to learn from data and make predictions, which involves tasks like creating scalable code, maintaining data pipelines, and building real-time applications. They collaborate with Data Scientists to implement and scale models, and their work requires a blend of programming skills and problem-solving abilities. 

Understanding machine learning opens new opportunities to build innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and provide valuable insights across industries. For example, e-commerce platforms use personalized recommendation systems to guide customers to products. In cloud computing, machine learning helps optimize resource allocation. And in healthcare, machine learning algorithms analyze medical images and aid in diagnosing and treating diseases. 

Start learning:

Deep learning 

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses neural networks that are trained on datasets to make predictions based on previously encountered scenarios. According to the Indeed report, people who understand deep learning make 47% more than those who don’t. If you know Python, NumPy, and some machine learning basics, you can create neural networks using frameworks like TensorFlow. PyTorch is another free open-source framework that offers an optimized tensor library for deep learning. PyTorch is developed by Meta and can be used for natural language processing and computer vision apps. 

Start learning:

AI for coding processes 

With generative AI tools, developers can refine and optimize their workflows. When GitHub surveyed people who use GitHub Copilot, they found that developers code faster, feel less frustrated, and since they’re not bogged down by repetitive tasks, they have more mental energy to focus on fulfilling work.  

We recently added an AI Learning Assistant to select courses, so you can get instant personalized coding guidance and chat through your questions without leaving the platform. This tool is an excellent way to get practice working through coding problems with a generative AI sidekick and improve your prompting skills.   

There are countless ways that engineers use tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT to be more efficient, thorough, and creative. And as AI models get more advanced, you can discover even more techniques for utilizing generative AI in your coding work.  

Start learning:

Popular AI systems 

Just like you know when and how to use various programming languages, you should also understand the unique functionalities and use cases of all the industry-leading AI platforms. OpenAI, for example, focuses on developing and deploying general-purpose AI models through APIs that programmers can integrate into their own applications. Hugging Face is a community-driven platform that provides tools and resources for NLP and machine learning. And Midjourney specializes in AI-powered image generation and operates through Discord.  

Start learning:

Unlock your potential with AI skills  

Check out our full catalog to find the AI courses and paths that fit your interests and goals as a developer. Want to work towards a career in AI? Learn more about the lucrative and rewarding careers you can have in AI, or read this list of standout AI skills for freelancers to have.  

Weekly Student News Quiz: Prime Minister Shot, Westminster Dog Show, Gen Z Trend

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Weekly Student News Quiz: Prime Minister Shot, Westminster Dog Show, Gen Z Trend

Have you been paying attention to current events recently? See how many of these 10 questions you can get right.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): What Parents Need to Know

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Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): What Parents Need to Know

Written by Liau Alex

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) might sound complicated, but it’s a valuable method for understanding and modifying behaviour. For parents guiding their child’s development, especially those with autism or behavioural challenges, understanding the basics of ABA can be incredibly beneficial.

How ABA Works

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is founded on key principles derived from studying how we learn and behave. These principles serve as the building blocks for behaviour analysts to understand and modify behaviour.

A fundamental concept in ABA is reinforcement. This involves finding ways to reward positive behaviour, such as giving praise or rewards, to increase the likelihood of it occurring again. The rewards are selected based on what the individual finds enjoyable and motivating.

Additionally, ABA employs techniques like prompting, shaping, and chaining to teach new skills or gradually modify existing behaviours. By breaking down complex actions into smaller, more manageable steps, individuals can make progress more effectively.

Applications of ABA

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is highly versatile and is often used to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It employs personalised plans to teach these children communication, social, and adaptive skills.

Additionally, ABA is effective in addressing challenging behaviours that may interfere with daily life or learning. Whether dealing with tantrums, aggression, or self-harm, behaviour analysts aim to understand the underlying causes and develop strategies to promote more appropriate behaviours.

Benefits and Efficacy of ABA

There is substantial research demonstrating the effectiveness of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Numerous studies across diverse groups and situations have shown that ABA significantly enhances communication, social skills, and independence, particularly for individuals who have received ABA interventions.

Furthermore, the benefits of ABA can be long-lasting. Many individuals continue to improve their skills and adapt to various situations over time, even after the completion of the program. This highlights the importance of starting ABA early and maintaining consistency to achieve the best outcomes.

Considerations for Parents

While ABA offers promising benefits, parents need to approach it with careful consideration and awareness of certain factors.

First and foremost, finding qualified ABA providers is essential. Look for professionals certified by reputable organisations with experience working with individuals similar to your child. Additionally, inquire about their approach, intervention strategies, and how they involve parents in the process.

Collaboration with ABA therapists is another key aspect of successful intervention. Establishing open communication and actively participating in the treatment planning process can help ensure that goals are aligned and progress is effectively monitored.

It’s also important for parents to recognise that ABA is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Integrating other interventions, such as Speech Therapy, Social Skills Training, or educational support, can provide a holistic approach to addressing your child’s needs.

In conclusion, ABA holds immense potential for improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental or behavioural challenges. By understanding its principles, applications, and considerations for implementation, parents can make informed decisions and empower their children to reach their full potential.

Are you interested in learning how Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is utilised to support children with Autism? Well, you’re in luck! Nurture Pods offers a free online class just for you.

ABA is known as the gold standard for treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and our course will teach you all about it. You’ll learn the basics of ABA, including what it is and how it works. Plus, we’ll show you different techniques, such as chaining and patterning, that can improve essential skills like moving, talking, thinking, and understanding things visually.

Our course is easy to follow and provides practical tips on using ABA to help children with autism. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and make a difference. Sign up now with Alison and start your journey towards understanding and supporting children with autism!

Explore more courses by Alex Liau Alex here.


About The Author

Liau Alex obtained his degree in Psychology from the National University of Singapore and specialises in childhood disorders, specifically learning and behavioural difficulties. He has many years of experience working with children exhibiting a wide array of learning and behaviour challenges, many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

As an author, Alex has two titles published by Future Horizons Inc. (USA), the world leader in autism and sensory resources. Schools worldwide have used his books for inclusive education and parent training for children with special needs. Titles under his name include School Shadow Guidelines (2015) and A Parent’s Guide to Early Intervention (2021).

Alex received training on early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) in Australia and subsequently went to the USA, where he received relationship development intervention (RDI) training under Dr Steven Gutstein and Dr Rachel Sheely. He has presented in Australia, Houston, and Singapore and has also been invited to participate in media interviews. Furthermore, he has worked with clients from across the globe, including China, Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Boys and Cologne

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Boys and Cologne

According to a recent Times article, teen boys’ annual spending on fragrance rose 26 percent in the year ending in March. Axe, Old Spice and Bath & Body Works fell in its rankings of teens boys’ favorite fragrance brands, while luxury brands including Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier climbed.

Do you know any tween or teen boys who covet — or use — high-end colognes? Do you use them yourself? What are your favorites? Why do you like them?

In general, what do you think is behind the trend of 11-to-15-year-olds — boys and girls — buying expensive cosmetics? How does this trend play out among the people you know?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.


Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Word of the Day: apathetic

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Word of the Day: apathetic

The word apathetic has appeared in 41 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Jan. 29 in “Today’s Teenagers: Anxious About Their Futures and Disillusioned by Politicians” by Claire Cain Miller:

It’s not that soon-to-be voters are apathetic about public policy — this generation tends to be passionate about issues including climate change, abortion and the war in the Middle East, pollsters said.

But in the Common Sense Media survey, nearly two-thirds of respondents 12 to 17 said politicians and elected officials did not reflect the needs and experiences of young people. Boys and white respondents were slightly more likely to say so. Only 7 percent of teenagers said politicians represented young people very well.

Can you correctly use the word apathetic in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how apathetic can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes.


Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

Alison’s Top 10 Free Online Courses in 2024

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Alison’s Top 10 Free Online Courses in 2024

Hundreds of thousands of learners log into Alison every day, accessing our free online courses to further their education, learn new skills, enhance their careers, or simply learn something new! Many others are making use of resources like our vast Career Guide, Resumé Builder and psychometric tests.

Almost 5,000 diploma and certificate courses cover everything from art to artificial intelligence and from business to beekeeping, caregiving to coding… you get the picture. What, you might ask, are the most popular topics? Caregiving, first aid, nursing and mental health, HR and project management are top of the leaderboard currently, as learners discover the merits of free online courses for furthering their careers. Here are the top 10 courses based on our data on enrolments, completions, reviews and more…

Top First Aid Courses

CPR, AED and First Aid

Almost 1,500 learners tell us they ‘loved’ this CPR, AED and First Aid certification course. Nearly 32,000 people have completed it in the past 12 months alone out of a total of approximately 360,000. This hugely popular Save a Life Certification by NHCPS opens with first aid basics, from what goes into a first aid kit to assessing the scene to understand what has happened. You’ll learn how to check a patient’s responsiveness and how to deal with traumatic injuries and choking in babies, children and adults. For cases of cardiac arrest, learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).  Sign up today to master lifesaving skills that anyone can use in a personal or professional capacity.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Master critical life-saving skills with this certified first aid course with updated training in line with the latest guidelines. This Save A Life certificate course covers each of the principle first aid techniques for dealing with infants, children and adults and includes scenarios for both one and two rescuers. Topics include mouth-to-mouth and ‘bag-mask’ ventilation and CPR for casualties who have stopped breathing and don’t have a pulse. You will also learn rescue breathing techniques for casualties with a pulse but who have stopped breathing. Discover how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on infants and children, how to open a child’s airway and how to perform nose-rescue breathing on babies. Alison graduate Eniola O. says: “This is a highly recommended course for all Medical and Healthcare practitioners and everyone willing to become a Life Saver.” Over 167,000 learners have enrolled in this course, including 64,000 this year! Register for your account and become a certified life saver today.

Top Caregiving Courses

Diploma in Caregiving

More than 303,000 learners have enrolled in the Diploma in Caregiving online on Alison, as opportunities continue to open in this in-demand career. The benefits of a diploma in caregiving vs a certificate come down to the comprehensive nature of the training. You will gain many practical skills required to become a professional carer for ill, elderly or vulnerable people. Learn how to assist clients or patients with meals, personal care, physical and emotional support and much more. This course includes training in supporting people with dementia and covers important legal and ethical issues too. There are no requirements to taking this, or any online course on Alison. Simply register today, enroll and begin learning!

Elderly Care and Caring for the Disabled

This is the second short certificate course to make the top 10 and deservedly so. Successfully completed by over 23,000 learners in the last 12 months, this free online caregiving course will equip you to support people at their most vulnerable with practical skills, medical knowledge and compassion. Discover how different parts of the body are affected by the ageing process and by common conditions, like diabetes, and what caregivers can do to support their clients or patients. The second part of the course covers topics such as stroke, traumatic injuries, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and sensitive subjects like end-of-life care. Alison graduate Udesha S. is among the 261,000 to benefit from this course. “Amazing. Easy to read, learn and progress. So highly recommend.”

Caregiving Skills – Dementia Care

Access free dementia training for caregivers with this highly-rated course today! Explore different types of dementia and what to expect in the stages of cognitive decline. You will also learn about supporting families following a dementia diagnosis. Caregivers have a vital role in helping those suffering from dementia to enjoy a good quality of life. This course will equip you with the skills you need for communicating well with clients, dealing with a range of behaviours associated with types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and planning activities clients will benefit from. Join the 82,000 people who have enrolled in this course over the past 12 months, and boost your caregiving skills today. Check out the many reviews from satisfied learners, who have loved this course’s emphasis on preserving the dignity of clients, safeguarding them, managing risks and more. Adele L., one of 942 learners who ‘loved’ the course, praised its: “Great insight into understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” 

Introduction to Caregiving

The fourth caregiving course in our top 10 is the perfect foundation for learners about to begin a career as a carer. More than 200,000 students have mastered the basics of caregiving with this short certification designed to be completed in three hours. It includes teaching on the roles, responsibilities and legal obligations of care workers. You’ll learn how to communicate with clients with a range of disabilities and with fellow care team members. Practical skills include working with clients in wheelchairs. This short course even touches on topics to support caregivers’ wellbeing, from managing your own stress to organising your time efficiently. Olurankinse O. is among many graduates to attest to the value of the Introduction to Caregiving: “This course is greatly useful in building a foundation in healthcare. Its easy to understand and examples are relatable.”

Top Healthcare Courses

Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care

Nurses need to undertake continued professional development to keep their skills and their registration up to date. This free online course in nursing and patient care will help you boost your nursing career. Its comprehensive content includes basic care and hygiene, health and safety for nurses, movement and exercise routines to use with patients, and the role of the nurse in different situations, such as physical examinations or diet therapy. Almost 80,000 learners have enrolled for this course in the past 12 months – career development for free! Just what the doctor ordered, thanks to the expert trainers at the US Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE)!

Diploma in Mental Health

Discover how to safeguard your own wellbeing and how to help other people with our top-performing mental health course. Almost 2 million Alison learners have enlisted for our US Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) courses over the years, and it’s easy to see why. Enroll today to explore what is meant by ‘normal’ behaviour and how to identify and treat neurotic and psychotic tendencies. You’ll learn about everything from stress and depression to substance abuse and suicidal behaviour. Explore some of the common factors leading to violence and how to manage a violent patient. The concluding section of the course deals with important techniques for maintaining and managing mental health, from relaxation to DIY therapies to exercise. Join almost 56,000 learners who have enrolled in this course over the past 12 months!

Top Business Courses

Diploma in Human Resources (HR)

This hugely popular course has equipped many thousands of Alison graduates to progress in their careers, earning a whopping 4580 ‘loves’ and 1410 ‘likes’. The most surprising thing about this HR diploma is that, like all our courses, it’s completely free to enrol. So what will you learn? The answer is everything you need to know to climb the career ladder in HR. It begins by laying out the key skills and responsibilities of the HR manager, then delves into specific areas – recruitment, training and appraisal; managing and retaining employees; and disciplinary procedures and termination. As Virgin guru Richard Branson states: “People are a company’s greatest asset”. The best leaders and HR managers are tuned into the internal culture of their organisation and help employees to feel engaged and appreciated, even in times of change. If those are skills you need to succeed in HR, sign up today!

Diploma in Project Management

Explore every facet of project management with this popular diploma course. Loved by more than 4,000 learners over the years, a whopping 59,000 have enrolled in the past year. Onsimo M. comments: “It was such a refresher. Many of the things I covered I used to do them but without a proper understanding. Now I will be with a different approach. Thank you team.” So what project management skills will you learn? The training starts where every project does – with planning. You’ll explore each stage of the system development lifecycle, learn how to use tools like Gantt and PERT charts and get a firm foundation in project management methodology and the importance of documentation. The second part of the course delves into the project management lifecycle and its component phases – planning, analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. Perfect if you want to progress as a project manager or simply to learn how to deliver a one-off project professionally, on time and within the budget.

Learners Love These Free Courses Too!

Our top 10 performers can’t afford to rest on their laurels with these successful courses nipping at their heels: 

Explore the thousands of options available to you today – and don’t forget to keep looking! New courses are added on Alison every week as we continue our vision to empower one billion people with free education and training online by 2030! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Diploma in Project Management

 

 

Supernova or Coronavirus: Can You Tell the Difference?

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Supernova or Coronavirus: Can You Tell the Difference?

Produced by Antonio de Luca

Micro Macro is an interactive quiz by Kimberly Arcand, an astronomy-visualization scientist for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Dr. Arcand is an author of “Magnitude: The Scale of the Universe.”

Images by Mohit Lalwani, CC BY-SA 4.0, NASA/GSFC, Alan Friedman, 22Kartika CC BY-SA 3.0, Anastasia, CC4, NASA/CXC/Middlebury College/F. Winkler, NASA/CXC/RIKEN & GSFC/T, Creative Commons, Bryan William Jones, Robert E. Marc, NASA/JPL, NOAO/CTIO/MCELS coll., ATCA/UIUC/R. Williams, NASA/CXC/Northwestern U./C. Law & F. Yusef-Zadeh, 2MASS/UMass/IPAC-Caltech/NASA/NSF and Cristina Mazuski in the lab of Erik Herzog.