text:
Compiled by Nancy Silverrod, San Francisco Public Library
Reference Books
Abramchick, Lois. Is Your Family Like Mine? Open Heart, Open Mind Publishing, 1993.
Kindergartner Armetha suddenly realizes her family is different from the families of her friends, but her friends all agree with her two mothers that what's important in a family is love. Black and white illustrations. Somewhat didactic.
Ages 3-6
Alden, Joan. A Boy's Best Friend. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1992.
Will's allergies prevent him from having a dog, but his two moms come up with the perfect solution.
Ages 3-6
Aldrich, Andrew. How My Family Came to Be: Daddy, Papa and Me. Oakland, CA: New Family Press, 2003.
This is the first picture book about gay fathers adopting children. The brief, happy story is appropriate to its audience of toddlers discovering differences in the kinds of families they encounter. The process of adoption is briefly explained for the curious (and the body language and facial expression of one of the fathers during the home study was great), the explanation for the adoption is age appropriate, and adoption is presented as a loving way to create a family. The fact that the adoption was an interracial one is not commented upon. The illustrations are, unfortunately, unattractively cartoonish. However, the flaws are outweighed by the importance of the book and the great need for books like this in our community.
Ages 3-5
Arnold, Jeanne. Amy Asks a Question. Racine, WI: Mother Courage Press, 1996.
Ten-year-old Amy has lesbian grandmothers, but she doesn't know what the word "lesbian" means. Her grandmothers provide positive and reassuring answers to her question. The only book that deals with gay or lesbian-grandparents. Unfortunately the tone is didactic, and the black and white line drawings don't have a lot of kid-appeal.
Ages 8-12
Atkins, Jeannine. A Name on the Quilt: A Story of Remembrance. New York: Atheneum, 1999.
Lauren's family gathers to make a quilt panel in memory of Uncle Ron. An afterword includes some photographs of AIDS quilt panels and an introduction to the Names Project.
Ages 4-9
Bantle, Lee. Diving for the Moon. New York: MacMillan, 1995.
Sixth-grader Bird finds out her best friend, Josh, is HIV positive. Positive representation of two gay background characters.
Ages 10-14
Bargar, Gary. What Happened to Mr. Forster? New York: Clarion, 1981.
Sixth-grader Louis stands up for his teacher when Mr. Forster is fired for being gay.
Ages 10-14
Bosche, Susanne. Jenny Lives With Eric and Martin. London: Gay Men's Press, 1983.
A photo-essay about five-year-old Jenny who lives with her dad, Martin, and his lover Eric. Age-appropriate, positive depiction and discussion of gay families.
Ages 3-6
Brown, Forman. The Generous Jefferson Bartleby Jones. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1991.
A boy loans out his two dads to friends who complain they never get to see their own fathers.
Ages 5-8
Burks, Stephanie. While You Were Sleeping. Victoria, B.C.: Burks Publishing/ Trafford, 2004.
Two moms go about their morning activities, hoping to hear that their soon-to-be-adopted baby has been born. Each action they take on the way to meeting their new son is told briefly with the refrain, "while you were sleeping." A warm adoption story featuring a mixed-race family.
Ages 2-5
Chetin, Helen. How Far is Berkeley? New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.
Twelve-year-old Mike and her mother move to Berkeley in the early 1970s, live in a communal household, and go to a women's coffeehouse where there are lesbians. Dated story may still appeal to some.
Ages 10-14
Combs, Bobbie. A B C: A Family Alphabet Book. Ridley Park, PA: Two Lives Publishing, 2001.
Children learn their ABC's in this book featuring multicultural gay and lesbian parented families.
Ages 2-5
Combs, Bobbie. 1 2 3: A Family Counting Book. Ridley Park, PA: Two Lives Publishing, 2001.
Children learn to count to twenty in this colorfully illustrated book featuring multicultural gay and lesbian parented families. The text does not specify same sex parents, but they can be identified in many of the illustrations.
Ages 1-5
Cooper, Melrose. Life Magic. New York: Holt, 1996.
Sixth-grader Crystal feels outshone by her older and younger sisters, but Uncle Joe helps her realize how special she is. When he dies of AIDS she takes it very hard. Realistic and well-written.
Ages 9-13
Coville, Bruce. The Skull of Truth. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1997.
In a minor subplot, the Skull of Truth compels Uncle Bennie to come out at a family gathering, and sixth-grader, Charlie must come to accept this new information about his favorite uncle.
Ages 9-14
Davis, Deborah. My Brother Has AIDS. New York: Atheneum, 1994.
Thirteen-year-old Lacey's much older brother has returned home to die, and her parents don't cope very well.
Ages 10-15. Not recommended.
De Haan, Linda. King & King. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press, 2001.
The Queen is ready to retire, so she wants her son to marry and take over, but none of the princesses she brings in appeal to Prince Bertie. Finally he meets Prince Lee, and a royal wedding takes place, with everyone living happily ever after.
Ages 3-7
De Haan, Linda. King & King & Family. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press, 2004.
King Bertie and King Lee set off on their honeymoon in the jungle, and notice all the animals with their babies. When they get home, they discover a little girl has stowed away in their luggage, and they adopt her, starting a family of their own.
Ages 3-7
DePaola, Tomie. Oliver Button is a Sissy. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979.
Young Oliver isn't interested in sports and other "boy" things, preferring to dance. Despite teasing him, his father allows him to take dancing lessons "for the exercise," and Oliver impresses everyone at a talent show.
Ages 4-7
Donovan, John. I'll Get There, It Better Be Worth the Trip. New York: Dell, 1969.
Thirteen-year-old Davy has been forced to live with his alcoholic and histrionic mother. When his dog is hit by a car due to his mother's carelessness on the same night he and his friend Doug were drinking and making out, he sees Fred's death as a punishment for being queer, and pushes Doug (who is not feeling as anxious about their activity) away. In the end, he decides he can still be Doug's friend. This is the first young adult book with any specific gay content and, despite the less than fully positive attitudes, is engaging and well written.
Ages 11-up
Drescher, Joan E. Your Family, My Family. New York: Walker, 1980.
Among the many families described is that of Peggy and her two moms, Margo and Rita. Possibly the earliest picture book featuring a gay or lesbian parented family. Illustrations look dated, but the text is still pertinent.
Ages 3-6
Duane, Diane. So You Want to Be a Wizard? New York: Delacorte, 1983.
Thirteen-year-old Nita discovers she is a wizard, and is supervised by senior wizards Tom and Carl, a gay male couple whose relationship is not commented upon.
Ages 10-14
Durrant, Penny Raife. When Heroes Die. New York: Atheneum, 1992.
Twelve-year- old Gary learns that his Uncle Ron (who he sees as a father-figure) is gay at the same time that he learns he has AIDS. Ron dies very quickly after the announcement. Stiff writing and a stilted dialogue mar this book, although Gary comes to accept his uncle's sexuality very quickly with the support of his mother and his former babysitter who lives next door.
Ages 10-13
Edmonds, Barbara Lynn. Mama Eat Ant, Yuck! Hundredth Munchy Publications, 2000.
Mama and Mommy's one-year-old Emma utters her first words when Mama accidentally eats an ant that was in her breakfast cereal. A funny story with an unfortunately forced rhyming text, and amateurish illustrations.
Ages 3-6
Edmonds, Barbara Lynn. When Grown-Ups Fall in Love. Hundredth Munchy Publications, 2000.
Poor writing, and amateurish illustrations and design mar this is a book with a good message (love and caring are what make a family).
Ages 3-5
Eichler, Margrit. Martin's Father. Chapel Hill, NC: Lollipop Power, 1971.
A charming picture book about young Martin, who lives with his single father, who is "the best father in the world! Simple black and white illustrations vary in quality, but overall add to the story. No gay content, but a good choice for single father families.
Ages 2-5
Elwin, Rosamund. Asha's Mums. Toronto: Women's Press, 1990.
Asha explains to her class that she really does have two mothers.
Ages 3-6
Fierstein, Harvey. The Sissy Duckling. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002.
Elmer the duckling is not like the other boy ducklings, and he suffers the derision of his schoolmates and his father, but he proves that a "sissy" can be a real hero. Papa's declaration "If Elmer is a sissy, then I wish I were a sissy too!" is a resounding moment of triumph.
Ages 4-9
Freeman, Martha. The Trouble With Babies. New York: Holiday House, 2002.
Nine-year-old Holly is adjusting to a move from one San Francisco neighborhood to another. Among her new friends is next-door neighbor and boy-genius, Dr X, or Xavier, who lives with his two dads, and Chinese/Jewish Annie and her yucky baby sister. Little is said about Xavier's dads. Holly knows that her parents have gay friends, and comments that Xavier's having two dads is "not usual, but it's not weird."
Ages 7-11
Gage, Carolyn. "Becca and the Woman Prince." In Love Shook My Heart. Ed. Irene Zahava. Los Angeles: Alyson, 1998.
Princess Becca refuses to act like a lady, and the king is unable to marry her off to any of the many princes summoned to court her. Finally Ymoja, an African woman prince, arrives to court Becca with better success, but the king and queen suddenly have misgivings and tell her that Becca has already been spoken for. Becca and Ymoja run away, and live happily ever after.
Ages 8-12. Other stories in the collection are not suitable for children.
Garden, Nancy. The Case of the Stolen Scarab: A Candlestone Inn Mystery. Ridley Park, PA: Two Lives Publishing, 2004.
Twelve-year-old Nikki and eleven-year-old Travis suspect the various guests at their moms' bed-and-breakfast when the local sheriff warns them about an art theft, and a stranger with amnesia shows up. Threats don't deter their investigation, and in the end, they do catch the crooks.
Ages 8-13
Garden, Nancy. Holly's Secret. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2000.
Twelve-year- old Holly decides that a move to country is a chance to try on a new identity one in which she doesn't have lesbian parents. Unrealistically, her mothers don't challenge her on this, or make any effort to meet with school personnel to help her make a successful transition.
Ages 10-14. Not recommended.
Garden, Nancy. Molly's Family. Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 2004.
Kindergartner Molly is upset when a classmate looks at her drawing of her family and tells her she can't have two mothers. With the support and encouragement of the teacher and her parents, who point out that there are many kinds of families, Molly feels proud to display her picture for the class open house.
Ages 3-6
Gleitzman, Morris. Two Weeks With the Queen. England: Blackie, 1989; New York: Putnam, 1991.
Colin's friendship with a young gay man whose lover is dying of AIDS helps him face his brother's pending death from cancer. Funny, tender, and sad.
Ages 10-14
Gould, Lois. "X: A Fabulous Child's Story." Prejudice: Stories About Hate, Ignorance, Revelation, and Transformation. Ed. by Daphne Muse. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1995.
In an experiment, baby X's parents try to raise a child free of gender stereotyping.
Ages 9 and up. Other stories in the collection are appropriate for a young adult readership.
Hanlon, Emily. The Wing and the Flame. Scarsdale, NY: Bradbury Press, 1980.
When fourteen-year-old Eric befriends an elderly sculptor who lives as a hermit on a mountain outside of town, his parents become suspicious and forbid Eric to see Owen again, little realizing that the actual homosexual relationship they fear is the one Eric and his best friend, Chris tentatively explore one day in a cave on the mountain. Unfortunately Eric can't cope with his feelings and pushes Chris away. While he is able to resume his friendship with Chris, he doesn't return to the mountain and Owen until five years later, when he discovers Owen dead in the cave.
Ages 12 and up
Heron, Ann. How Would You Feel if Your Dad Was Gay? Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1994.
When Jasmine tells her class that she has three fathers (one stepfather and two gay fathers) she gets some negative reactions not the least of which comes from her older brother who doesn't appreciate being outed. Their fathers help them deal with the harassment, and their differing needs about being open about their family configuration. They also talk to the school principal who schedules a special assembly to discuss different kinds of families and the importance of respect for diversity. Black and white illustrations and a wordy text make this picture book appropriate for a somewhat older audience.
Ages 6-12
Hoffman, Eric. Best Best Colors/Los Mejores Colores. St. Paul, MN: Read Leaf Press, 1999.
A little boy can't decide which is his favorite color, but when his two mothers get a rainbow flag, he realizes all the colors are beautiful-especially together. Colorful, attractive illustrations will attract children who will recognize their own difficulties in choosing favorites.
Ages 3-5
Howe, James. The Misfits. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2001.
Twelve-year-old Joe is gay, and along with his friends, a group who call themselves the Misfits, he is suffering his first crush. With supportive family and friends he is able to deal with the homophobia he encounters, and by the end of the book he has a date for the school dance with the boy he has a crush on.
Ages 11-15
Howe, James. Pinky and Rex and the Bully. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1996.
Pinky is a boy whose favorite color is pink, and whose best friend is a girl, Rex. When the neighborhood bully gets on his case about these things, Pinky begins to doubt himself. With the support of a neighbor, he decides to be true to himself and stand up to the bully.
Ages 4-8
Johnson-Calvo, Sarita. A Beach Party With Alexis: A Coloring Book. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1991.
Alexis has a beach party with her two moms, lots of friends, and their parents, gay and straight.
Ages 4-6
Jordan, MaryKate. Losing Uncle Tim. Niles, IL: A. Whitman, 1989.
Daniel has a special relationship with his Uncle Tim. When Tim is dying of AIDS Daniel is angry, and also fearful that he could catch AIDS, but his parents are reassuring, allowing Daniel to continue his special relationship to the end. 1990 Lambda Award winner.
Ages 5-9
Kaye, Marilyn. Real Heroes. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1993.
Twelve- year-old Kevin's loyalties are torn when his father spearheads a group trying to remove his favorite teacher who is HIV positive.
Ages 10-15
Kennedy, Joseph. Lucy Goes to the Country. Los Angeles, Alyson Wonderland, 1998.
Lucy the cat loves to go to the country with her two Big Guys, and gets into a bit of a scrape with an upstart dog who comes to a party at their home. Kids will enjoy the madcap upheaval, but adults may find it all a bit too precious.
Ages 3-6
Klein, Norma. Now That I Know. New York: Bantam Books, 1988.
After her parents divorce, thirteen-year-old Nina's father announces that he's gay at the same time that he tells Nina that his lover, Greg will be moving in the next day. Although Nina likes Greg, she is uncomfortable with the fact that her father is gay, and is angry that he didn't prepare her for Greg's moving in. With the help of positive reactions from her best friend and her new boyfriend, and after a cooling off period where she avoids her father, Nina finally comes to terms with the situation and mends her fences with her father and Greg. The book may seem somewhat dated to some readers.
Ages 10-14
Leaf, Munro. The Story of Ferdinand. New York: Viking Perss, 1936.
To his mother's concern, Ferdinand the bull doesn't like to romp around and butt heads with the other young bulls, but prefers to sit and smell the flowers. A bee sting at the wrong moment gets him sent to the bullfights in Madrid, where his natural inclinations save him from a cruel end.
Ages 4-7
Maguire, Gregory. Oasis. New York: Clarion, 1996.
Thirteen-year-old Hand deals with his father's death from a heart attack, the return of his absent mother after three years, and his uncle's illness and death from AIDS.
Ages 10-14
Meyer, Carolyn. Elliott and Win. New York: Atheneum, 1986.
Win has a positive relationship with his big brother, Elliott, a man who fits a number of gay stereotypes, though his sexuality is never mentioned.
Ages 10-15
Naylor, Phyllis. Alice Alone. New York: Atheneum, 2001.
Secondary characters in this entry of the popular Alice series are dealing with questions about their sexuality.
Ages 11-15
Naylor, Phyliss. Alice On the Outside. New York: Atheneum, 1999.
When Alice's new friend Lori comes out to her and expresses her interest in Alice, Alice responds with friendliness despite not sharing Lori's feelings.
Ages 11-15
Nelson, Theresa. Earthshine. New York: Orchard Books, 1994.
With the help of her dad's lover and a support group for middle schoolers who have relatives with AIDS, Slim comes to accept her father's death.
Ages 10-15
Newman, Leslea. Belinda's Bouquet. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1991.
In a warm and supportive story, Daniel and his two mothers help Belinda accept her body. Illustrations are somewhat amateurish.
Ages 5-9
Newman, Leslea. Felicia's Favorite Story. Ridley Park, PA: Two Lives Publishing, 2002.
In this pleasant bedtime story that all adopted children will appreciate, Felicia asks to hear about how her two mothers adopted her from Guatemala. Illustrations are somewhat amateurish.
Ages 3-6
Newman, Leslea. Gloria Goes to Gay Pride. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1991.
Gloria goes to Gay Pride with her two mothers. Black and white pencil illustrations.
Ages 3-7
Newman, Leslea. Heather Has Two Mommies. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1989.
Three-year-old Heather discovers that there are all kinds of families. A classic.
Ages 3-7
Newman, Leslea. "Right Off the Bat". In Speaking for Ourselves: Stories by Jewish Lesbians. Ed. Irene Zahava. Freedom, CA: Crossing Press, 1990.
Twelve-year-old Ronnie decides to be up front about her lesbian mother in order to avoid later rejection, but she sometimes wishes her mother and Linda would be more discreet. Didactic. Other stories in the collection are not suitable for children.
Ages 10-14
Newman, Leslea. Saturday is Pattyday. Norwich, VT: New Victoria, 1993.
Patty reassures preschooler, Frankie that she will always be his mom, even though she and his other mom, Allie, have split up.
Ages 3-6
Newman, Leslea. Too Far Away to Touch. New York, Clarion, 1995.
Zoe's Uncle Leonard is dying of AIDS, and he and his partner, Nathan, comfort her. The longer text and use of metaphor make this a picture book for an older audience.
Ages 5-10
Nones, Eric. Caleb's Friend. New York: Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 1993.
A brief and unusual friendship between two boys is remembered and honored by one of them for the rest of his life, and can be read as homo-affectionate.
Ages 5-8
Okimoto, Jean Davies and Elaine M. Aoki. The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption. New York: Clarion, 2002.
While four baby girls in China wait for their new parents to arrive from the United States, seven adults are preparing for their trips to China to take home their new daughters. Among the adoptive parents is a lesbian couple. Beautiful watercolor artwork, and a warm, loving story will appeal not only to young adoptees from China, but all young children.
Ages 2-6
Parr, Todd. The Family Book. Boston: Little, Brown, 2003.
A colorful celebration of families of all kinds.
Ages 3-6
Parr, Todd. It's Okay to Be Different. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001.
In this colorful picture book, Parr enumerates many kinds of ways that it's okay to be different (being adopted, wearing glasses, talking about feelings, etc.). The issue of same-sex parents is introduced obliquely, stating that "It is okay to have different Moms. It is okay to have different Dads," statements that can easily be used as a lead-in to a discussion of different types of families.
Ages 3-6
Quinlan, Patricia. Tiger Flowers. New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 1994.
Uncle Michael comes to live with Joel and his family while he is dying of AIDS. Together, Joel and Michael remember Michael's partner, Peter, and later Joel helps his younger sister remember Michael.
Ages 5-8
Roos, Stephen. "Picky Eater" In 13: Thirteen Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen. Ed. James Howe. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Nelson's just a bit too weird to admit to being friends with, but Woody will sometimes hang out with him after school, even when he's practicing for cheerleader try-outs dressed as a girl. One evening the thought of kissing Nelson pops into Woody's head, and he hurries home in a panic, only to find out the next morning that Nelson has died of an asthma attack in the night.
Ages 11-14
Rylant, Cynthia. The Star. The Van Gogh Café. New York: Scholastic, 1995.
Magical things happen in the Van Gogh Café. In this story, an elderly film star comes to wait for his true love, a young man he met many years ago.
Ages 10-12
Sachar, Louis. Marvin Redpost, Is He a Girl? New York: Random House, 1993.
Can a boy really turn into a girl if he accidentally kisses his elbow? Does wanting to learn to play jacks and wear sparkly clothes make him a girl? Nine-year-old Marvin has a lot of worries. In a disappointing ending that reinforces sex role stereotypes, he manages to kiss his elbow again, and returns to his macho self, although he does befriend a girl in his class.
Ages 7-9. Not recommended.
Salat, Christina. Living in Secret. New York: Bantam Books, 1993.
Amelia runs away with her lesbian mother to start a new life, with a new identity in San Francisco.
Ages 10-15. Recommended.
Sanchez, Alex. "If You Kiss a Boy" in 13: Thirteen Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen. Ed. James Howe. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Joe kisses his best friend Jamal while they're at a movie. Jamal kisses him back, then panics and won't meet his eyes for a couple of days, during which Joe suffers agonies, and is helped by a gay teacher.
Ages 11-14
Sanchez, Alex. So Hard to Say. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004.
Thirteen-year-old Frederick (not Fred or Rick) has just moved to Southern California from Wisconsin. Xio lends him her pen and develops an immediate crush, and gets her group of girlfriends to help her befriend him. Soon he has a group of pals he plays soccer with every day, as well as Xio and her gang. Told in alternating chapters by Xio and Frederick, we follow the trajectory of her crush, his discomfort with it, the homophobic teasing of a gay classmate, and Frederick's slow realization that he, too, is gay. Well written.
Ages 11-14
Severance, Jan. When Megan Went Away. Chapel Hill, NC: Lollipop Power, 1979.
Shannon is sad when Megan moves out, and she feels shut out by her mother, but the two finally have a reassuring talk about the breakup of Shannon's mom and Megan. Future contact between Shannon and Megan is not discussed, so this is a less reassuring book than Leslea Newman's -Saturday is Pattyday. Illustrations are amateurish.
Ages 4-8
Severance, Jan. Lots of Mommies. Chapel Hill, NC: Lollipop Power, 1983.
Emily lives in a communal household where she has four (two Caucasian, one African American, one Asian) mommies who take care of her in different ways, When all four show up at school when Emily hurts her arm, her classmates finally believe her claim that she has "lots of mommies." Simple, one-color illustrations vary in quality and look a bit dated.
Ages 4-6
Shannon, George. Seeds. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994.
In this delightful story, a young boy named Warren becomes friends with his single next door neighbor, an artist named Bill. One of the pleasures they share together is gardening, and when Warren and his family move away, he finds a way to keep sharing gardening with Bill. While Bill may or may not be gay, it's certainly possible to read that into the story.
Ages 4-8
Shyer, Marlene. The Rainbow Kite. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2002.
Twelve-year-old Matthew relates discovering that his fifteen-year-old brother Bennett is gay, the quick acceptance of their mother, and the anger and disappointment of their demanding father. Following harassment and a hate crime, Bennett attempts suicide, and refuses to talk. His parents don't follow through with their plan of finding him a therapist. Bennett and his family do have some support in the form of their lesbian neighbors, the principal of the boys' middle school, and a number of friends, but other friends are forbidden to see them. The message is a bit labored at times, and the hopeful ending rings false.
Ages 10-15
Simon, Norma. All Families Are Special. Albert Whitman, 2003.
A group of children describe their families during a discussion with their teacher.
Simpson, Christine. Jenny's Locket. Buffalo, NY: Stoddart Kids, 1998.
Eleven-year- old Jenny is saddened by her uncle's illness and impending death from AIDS, angry that her parents are so unavailable as they take care of him, and afraid her friends will reject her if they find out. Unfortunately the stream-of-conscious, breathless writing is cloying and didactic.
Ages 10-12. Not recommended.
Sobol, Rose. Woman Chief. New York: Dial Press, 1976.
Based on a true story, this is a fictional account of Woman Chief who was recognized as a hunter, warrior, and leader, and who had five wives.
Ages 10-15
Springer, Nancy. Looking for Jamie Bridger. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1995.
Raised by her fundamentalist grandparents, Jamie searches for her real parents and is surprised to discover she has a gay older brother.
Ages 12-15
Sullivan, Mary W. What's This About Pete? Nashville, TN: T, Nelson, 1976.
Pete worries that he might not be normal since he enjoys doing "girl" things such as sewing, and when a man in a car propositions him he is convinced he must be a homosexual. He goes to Doc Logan at school, who reassures him, saying that there is nothing wrong with being homosexual, but that liking to sew, or being propositioned aren't signs that he is. Unfortunately, this supportive view is set in such a poorly written novel that readers aren't likely to get that far into it.
Ages 12-14. Not recommended.
Tax, Meredith. Families. Boston: Little, Brown, 1981.
Angie describes the families she knows in her neighborhood, including her friend Susie's family which consists of Susie, her mother and her godmother. A charming book.
Ages 3-7
Valentine, Johnny. The Daddy Machine. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1992.
Two girls who live with their two mothers decide to build a Daddy machine, but it works too well and they end up with a house full of Dads. Black and white illustrations.
Ages 4-8
Valentine, Johnny. The Day They Put a Tax on Rainbows. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1992.
Three original fairy tales featuring kids with gay or lesbian parents.
Ages 5-10
Valentine, Johnny. The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1993.
A collection of original fairy tales featuring gay and lesbian characters.
Ages 5-10
Valentine, Johnny. One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dad. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1994.
In a Dr. Seuss take-off, Lou explains that although his two dads are blue, they are just like any other dads.
Ages 3-6
Valentine, Johnny. Two Moms, the Zark, and Me. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1993.
When the narrator gets separated from his two moms at the zoo, a bigoted family tries unsuccessfully to keep him from being reunited with them. Awkward rhyming and unattractive cartoon illustrations detract from the message.
Ages 4-8
Vigna, Judith. My Two Uncles. Morton Grove, IL: A. Whitman, 1995.
Elly is sad that her grandfather can't accept her uncle's lover, someone she particularly enjoys having in her life. Her father explains that Grampy is uncomfortable with gay people, and then explains what "gay" means. By the end of the book there is some slight softening on Grampy's part.
Ages 4-8
Weeks, Sarah. Red Ribbon. New York: HarperCollins, 1995.
A little girl named Jenny is concerned about her neighbor who suddenly looks "so old." Her mother gives her a red ribbon to wear, but she doesn't explain that the neighbor has AIDS. The only discussion of AIDS is in an author' s note at the beginning, and in a brief afterward-both written for adults. The rhyming text is awkward at times, perhaps because it was originally written as a song.
Ages 4-8. Not recommended.
Wickens, Elaine. Anna Day and the O-Ring. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1994.
In this photo-essay, Evan, his two moms, and his dog try to put a tent together.
Ages 3-6
Willhoite, Michael. Daddy's Roommate. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1990.
Nick enjoys spending time with his father and his father's roommate, Frank.
Ages 3-6
Willhoite, Michael. Daddy's Wedding. Los Angeles: Alyson Wonderland, 1996.
Nick serves as the best man at his father's wedding to Frank (of Daddy's Roommate).
Ages 3-8
Willhoite, Michael. The Entertainer. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1992.
In a wordless picture story we meet Alex, a kid with two moms, who likes to juggle. Discovered by an agent, he goes on stage where he is a huge hit. But he longs for his simple life.
Ages 4-8
Willhoite, Michael. Families: A Coloring Book. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1991.
Brief text on each page describes many different types of families, including families with gay and lesbian parents.
Ages 3-7
Willhoite, Michael. Uncle What-is-It is Coming to Visit. Boston: Alyson Wonderland, 1993.
When Igor and Tiffany's mother avoids answering their question about what "gay" means, they ask around the neighborhood and get their heads filled with stereotypes-which Uncle Brett shatters when he finally shows up. Cartoon illustrations detract from the story.
Ages 4-8
Wilson, Barbara. A Clear Spring. New York: Feminist Press, 2002.
Her father and his wife have a new baby, so it's decided that almost-twelve-year-old Willa should go to Seattle to stay with her Aunt Ceci and Ceci's partner Janie, rather than visiting him like she usually does each summer. Despite her disappointment, Willa likes Ceci and Janie and the other relatives she has in Seattle, and she ends up having a great time. Ceci and Janie's relationship is accepted by everyone and not mentioned other than to say they have been together for ten years.
Ages 10-12
Withrow, Sarah. Box Girl. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2001.
Gwen rejects overtures of friendship from new girl, Clara, and pushes her father and his partner, Leon, away because Leon is moving in, and she doesn't want Clara to find out her father and Leon are gay.
Ages 10-13. Not recommended.
Woodson, Jacqueline. From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun. New York: Scholastic, 1995.
Melanin Sun struggles with, and comes to accept his mother's lesbianism-and the fact that his mother's lover is a white woman.
Ages 11-15
Zalben, Jane Breskin. Unfinished Dreams. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1996.
Sixth-grader Jason defends his mentor and school principal against the homophobic response of the community when it is revealed that Mr. Carr has AIDS.
Ages 10-14
Zolotow, Charlotte. William's Doll. New York: Harper & Row, 1972.
Young William wants a doll, but his father refuses, and his brother and the neighbor boy teases him. Finally his grandmother convinces his father that having a doll will help teach William how to be a good father.
Ages 3-6
Gordon, Sol. All Families Are Different. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2000.
An overly purposeful book describing different kinds of families, including parents of the same sex.
Ages 4-9. Not recommended.
Greenberg, Keith. Zack's Story: Growing Up With Same-Sex Parents. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 1996.
Straightforward photo-essay about eleven-year-old Zack's family which includes his lesbian moms, and his father and stepmother. Somewhat didactic. Includes a glossary, a short list of books, and resources for GLBT families.
Ages 6-12
Harris, Robie. It's Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1994.
An excellent book that discusses homosexuality, along with everything else, in a positive, matter-of-fact way.
Ages 8-14
Harris, Robie. It's So Amazing! A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1999.
A fantastic, gay and lesbian positive book that explains all about puberty, love, sex, and getting pregnant-including alternative insemination and in vitro fertilization.
Ages 8 and up
Hausherr, Rosmarie. Celebrating Familes. New York: Scholastic, 1997.
Perhaps the best of all the books depicting various family configurations. Attractive color and black and white photos, and brief text, covering a broader range of families than most (including foster families, parent in prison, etc.).
Ages 3-9
Jenness, Aylette. Families: A Celebration of Diversity, Commitment, and Love. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
Photo-essay depicting a variety of family types including a gay-parented and a lesbian-parented family.
Ages 4 and up
Kaesar, Gigi. Love Makes a Family: Portraits of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Parents and Their Families. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1999.
Photo-essay depicting a variety of queer families. The only one to include transgendered parents.
All Ages.
Krakow, Kari. The Harvey Milk Story. Ridley Park, PA: Two Lives Publishing, 2002.
A picture-book biography about the life and death of gay rights leader and San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk. Attractive illustrations and a simple story line make this useful for introducing young readers to this modern-day hero.
Ages 5-10
Marcus, Eric. Is It a Choice?: Answers to 300 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gay and Lesbian People. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1993 and 1999.
Marcus forthrightly answers all kinds of questions that kids and teens are likely to have.
Ages 10-adult
Marcus, Eric. What if Someone I Know is Gay?: Answers to Questions About Gay and Lesbian People. New York: Price Stern Sloan, 2000.
Marcus answers even more questions.
Ages 10-adult
Oliver, Marilyn Tower. Gay and Lesbian Rights: A Struggle. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1998.
Provides an historical context for discussing issues affecting gays and lesbians-including marriage, parenting, military service, hate crimes, job discrimination, etc. Useful for reports.
Ages 10 and up
Rench, Janice E. Understanding Sexual Identity: A Book for Gay and Lesbian Teens and Their Friends. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications, 1990.
A brief, supportive book answering some basic questions about what it means to be gay or lesbian (although the author is evasive about what people do sexually).
Ages 9 and up
Schaffer, Patricia. Chag Sameach! = Happy Holiday! Berkeley, CA: Tabor Sarah Books, 1985.
Photo essay depicting a diverse group of Jewish families celebrating the different Jewish holidays includes a photograph of a lesbian parented family celebrating Havdalah (the transition back to the regular week after the Sabbath).
Ages 4-7
Schaffer, Patricia. How Babies and Families Are Made (There is More Than One Way!). Berkeley, CA: Tabor Sarah Books, 1988.
Probably the first book to explain donor insemination and in vitro fertilization in simple terms for children, How Babies and Families Are Made explains that sometimes a man and woman need help getting pregnant, or sometimes a woman wants to get pregnant and there is no man around. The black and white illustrations are unfortunately very amateurish. Harris's book, It's So Amazing!, covers the same information in a much more attractive way, and discusses gays and lesbians, though not directly in relation to donor insemination.
Ages 5-8
Seyda, Barbara. Women in Love: Portraits of Lesbian Mothers and Their Families. Boston: Little Brown, 1998.
Photographs of lesbians and their children.
All Ages
Skutch, Robert. Who's in a Family? Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press, 1995.
Colorful illustrations depict a variety of human and animal families, including a family with two dads, and one with two moms.
Ages 3-7
Young, Perry Deane. Lesbians and Gays and Sports. New York: Chelsea House, 1994.
Young dedicates chapters to various sports and the gay and lesbian athletes participating in them. Includes a discussion of the Olympics and the Gay Games. Useful for reports.
Ages 10 and up
And Baby 499
Adult Readers
Alternative Family Magazine
Adult Readers
Gay Parent Magazine
Available in print and online at: http://www.gayparentmag.com/
Adult Readers
Just for Us
See excerpts at the COLAGE web site: http://www.colage.org
Ages 9 and up
Recommended Reference Books
Clyde, Laurel. Out of the Closet and Into the Classroom: Homosexuality in Books for Young People. Port Melbourne, Vic., Australia: ALIA Press, 1996. Second edition.
Fairly comprehensive annotated bibliography of books for young people with a focus on Australian titles.
Day, Frances Ann. Lesbian and Gay Voices: An Annotated Bibliography and Guide to Literature for Children and Young Adults. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2000.
A very useful, though not comprehensive, annotated bibliography of fiction and non-fiction materials for children and teens. Most are U.S. publications. Only includes author's recommended titles, and generally only those titles that were still in print at time of publication.
Gough, Cal and Ellen Greenblatt. Gay and Lesbian Library Service. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1990.
Both My Moms Are Named Judy: Children of Lesbians and Gays Speak Out. Prod. Camomile Bortman. San Francisco: Lesbian and Gay Parents Association, 1994.
Kids aged 7-11 talk about their gay and lesbian parents. (11 min).
Camp Lavender Hill. Dir. Michael Magnaye. San Francisco: Camp Lavender Hill, 1997.
Interviews with kids aged 8-14 attending a summer camp especially for children of lgbt parents. (28 min.)
It's Elementary: Talking About Gay Issues in School. Dir. Debra Chasnoff. San Francisco: Women's Educational Media, 1997.
This is an excellent movie for parents, teachers, the PTA, the school board, etc. (1 hour, 17 min.)
Adult, possible teen interest.
Oliver Button is a Star. Dir. John Scagliotti. n.p. Hunt Video, 2002?
Oliver Button meets the up with the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus, author Tomie DePaola, and choreographer Bill Jones, and others in this hour-long PBS special.
Our House: A Very Real Documentary About Kids of Gay and Lesbian Parents. Dir. Meema Spadola. New York: Cinema Guild, 1999.
Nine children from five families talk about their experiences as children of lesbians and gays.
Ages 9-23
That's a Family! Dir. Debra Chasnoff. San Francisco: Women's Educational Media, 2000.
Fabulous movie for kids about all kinds of families. (35 min.)
Ages 4-up
COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere): http://www.colage.org/.
Newsletter, chat rooms, email lists, pen pals, scholarship info, and more.
Family Pride Coalition: http://www.familypride.org/.
The Family Pride Coalition is an advocacy group for GLBT families.
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network): http://www.glsen.org
Last Updated: 2004
The GLBT Round Table web site is maintained by the GLBTRT Website Committee.
Send suggestions, corrections and comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Dave Boling
Dave Boling: Seahawks show postseason-like intensity at minicamp
The Seahawks minicamp practice Wednesday was more exciting and competitive than some of their games have been the last couple seasons.
At one point, Richard Sherman, one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, started treating receiver Phillip Bates like he was Skip Bayless. The two tangled and sparred, which cleared the sidelines and sparked a couple impromptu under-card events.
And on the far sideline at one point, a curious meeting of the minds took place between Seahawks owner Paul Allen, one of the world's richest men, and running back Marshawn Lynch, who apparently would like to get a little deeper into Allen's pockets.
Since Lynch wasn't practicing because of what's been called an ankle issue, he was able to have a lengthy and apparently amicable chat with Allen. It's one time when Lynch addresses his listener with the term "boss" that it's actually applicable.
But from a football standpoint, on a June day when the Seahawks seemed to be playing with a postseason intensity level, the most athletic play was made by cornerback Byron Maxwell.
Maxwell leaped, twisted in the air to adjust to a pass in flight, and speared the ball with one hand, pulling it to his chest as he fell out of bounds. The official on that sideline ruled that he was out of bounds, nullifying the interception, but it was highlight-film athleticism nonetheless.
It was the sort of play fans saw last winter when Maxwell stepped in for injured/suspended Brandon Browner at right cornerback and came up with four interceptions and 10 passes defensed in the last five games.
"It was more than big, it was pretty," safety Earl Thomas said of Maxwell's grab Wednesday afternoon. "A one-handed catch ... just to see him hang in the air like that. You never know what your body is capable of when you're going 100 miles an hour."
With only those five career starts, Maxwell could be considered the junior Legionnaire of Boom, or perhaps the Baby Boomer, as secondary mates Sherman, Thomas and Kam Chancellor all have Pro Bowls on their resumes.
And all have had press conferences somewhat recently as the team bestowed upon them massive contracts.
Several times, when fellow Boomers were at the podium talking about their new financial security, Maxwell was in the room, once even peeking in the back door, watching the proceedings.
What could be going through his mind?
"It's definitely an inspiration," Maxwell said. "They got it, they're like brothers to me, so why can't I get it? That's the type of thinking that goes with that. You play the game because you love it, but we've also got to feed our families, too."
Maxwell was drafted out of Clemson in the sixth round in 2011, 19 spots behind Sherman. The Seahawks were patient as he worked through injuries and saw action on special teams. But it wasn't until Browner was hurt and then suspended late last season that Maxwell got to start.
"You gotta earn your way on everything you do," Maxwell said. "Nothing's given to you. That was the role I had to do at the time. I was just happy to be a part of the team, to have a job, that's how I took it."
He said he hopes that the strong play late last season will be a springboard to a big year. It will be his final season under his rookie contract. And with the chance to start the full 16 games, Maxwell could start to gain the recognition that his more renowned teammates have received.
"I don't think about that," Maxwell said. "What I think about when I get out here on the field is making plays. If that comes it comes. But it's all about making plays and helping my team."
When asked if he saw Maxwell as the junior member of the Legion, Thomas interrupted: "I don't think he's a junior — I think he graduated. He's right up there with the rest of us."

subset: commoncrawl


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The Streamlined Car of 1960 (1948)
Popular Mechanics produced short films in the 1940s and 50s that showcased technology of the near and distant future. This short was released theatrically on May 21, 1948 and featured "streamlined marvels on wheels." The narrator cheerfully proclaims of the second car (pictured above), "If you're looking for a 1960 model, this may well be it!"
Clip from the Popular Science Historic Film Series DVD.


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For newer games, you can redeem your code both in the Origin client and on the web.
- To redeem your code through the Origin client:
- Launch and log in to the Origin client with your Origin Account.
- Click on Origin in the menu bar on the top left.
- Select "Redeem Product Code."
- Enter the product code for your title.
How do I redeem my product code online?
You can redeem your code via the web* by going to origin.com/account, logging in, and selecting Redeem Product Code from the left-hand menu. Enter your product code on the Redeem Your Code page and launch the Origin client to start downloading.
Alternatively, head to activate.ea.com, log in to your Origin account and enter your product code on the Redeem Your Code page.
Note that the above steps do not work with the following titles and exceptions:
- The Sims 3 - Your codes have to be redeemed on the Sims website in order to be "registered" in Origin.
- Bulletstorm - Bulletstorm cannot be redeemed through Origin and you will need to contact an advisor to have them complete the process.


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Since I was not having much success in Connecticut in finding John Barclay, my 2nd great-grandfather, I turned my attention to Minnesota. John Barclay makes his appearance in Shakopee, Minnesota in 1853.
John is mentioned in a book: History of the Minnesota Valley, including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota and History of the Sioux Massacre, by Rev. Edward D. Neill and Charles S. Bryant published in 1882, Eagle Creek, [Shakopee, Scott Co., Minnesota], page 315.
"The settlers continued to arrive in large numbers during the fall of 1852 and throughout the year 1853, the earlier of whom were as follows: Thomas Kennedy arrived in the fall of 1852 and moved on to his present claim in spring 1853; Edward Smith came in spring of 1853 and located his present claim in the north-eastern quarter of section 20 the same year; Alex. Dorward also came that year, together with Benjamin W. Turner, John Masters, Lyman Ruby, John Barclay and Horace Fuller. These all located in different parts of the town, and most of them are still living upon their original claims."
Ancestry.com has this book scanned on their website. You can probably get to it through the Ancestry Library edition at your local library.
This is the first sighting of John Barclay that I have found. I have tried to get him back further and closer to Connecticut but so far he is not cooperating. I knew about John from the "Logsleds to Snowmobiles" book and from my Aunt Miriam's notes. I could not resist the sign and the name.
I have traveled to Minnesota and the last time was in 2007 when I went to Shakopee to do more research on John Barclay and his second family. This is a view of a main street in Shakopee.


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One hundred and forty characters seem like nothing- but on Twitter, they can mean a lot. Being able to reach out to thousands of individuals (and maybe some bots) within a couple of minutes is a boon. If you can use this concept for good- it's even better.
That's what we did on Tuesday, 19th February 2013. We opened our handle and our minds to discuss, live, the very important issue of genetically modified (GM) crops.
Big Battle, India's first Twitter debate platform organised a one hour debate on "Genetically Modified Foods: Helpful or Harmful?" The panellists, Neha Saigal from Greenpeace India , Devinder Sharma (Food & Trade policy analyst), Mr GV Ramanjaneyulu (Executive Director, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture), Mr Sridhar Radhakrishnan and Ravichandran (Farmer) answered questions asked by individuals and organisations.
People anti and pro GM alike logged on to Twitter to ask some very important questions which we replied to within a couple of minutes (there's more to the internet than lolcats! Who knew?). Within that one hour, we were able to reach over 9 lakh people, ergo 9 lakh timelines.
Some of the questions asked were serious, like, "#GMFood In country with malnutrition upto 200 million, do we have say for safe & risky food?"
And some of them were quite..um..philosophical, like, "Remember the old saying, If you wait for the wind, the ship will never sail! Life is about risks. Life itself is a risk!" (Pro GM people saying that GM is a risk. Precious!).
Excitement was running through our room, where as soon as we were asked a question, we frantically searched for reports to validate the (140 characters long) points we were making. This was all done to the tune of Gangnam Style (no, we're not over K-Pop yet).
On a more serious note, it was great to see supporters (old and new) rising up against GM food by retweeting our answers and further spreading the message. The debate concluded with The Big Battle saying that the government's regulation is not only important, but a necessity to research GM food intensively before introducing it in the country .
It was an inspiring experience. Engaging with so many people within an hour, through an online micro blogging platform debate is definitely something we'll take up again in the near future.
Rachita Taneja is a digital campaigner.
Follow @greenpeaceindia


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As India is actually a property of different religions and the religions have distinct celebrations and fairs, that happen to be celebrated each and every year. But Diwali is really a celebration that is celebrated similarly by every one of the religions. In Hinduism Diwali markings the return of Lord Rama to his empire Ayodhya after defeating Ravana this denote the glory of good above satanic. In Sikhism Diwali Commemorates the return of Pro Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar soon after freeing 50 Hindu Kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. People gentle candle lights and divas to commemorate his profit. happy diwali
This celebration is recognized inside the four weeks of October or Nov according to the Hindu schedule. It tumbles every year from the 30 days of Kartik.Here is the stop of stormy year and the beginning of the winter months time of year. The weather is extremely enjoyable as it is neither warm neither chilly.
Year and the beginning of the winter
- The Next day is the main time.This.
Diwali is recognized for five time that happen to be Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan or Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Duj.Each one of these times have various significance. On Dhanteras Hindus contemplate it auspicious to acquire gold or silver content or at best a couple of new eating utensils. It is actually believed that new "Dhan" or some type of treasured aluminum is an indication of best of luck. "Laxmi-Puja" is carried out inside the nights when little Diyas of clay-based are lit up to drive aside the shadows of bad spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in compliments of Goddess Laxmi will also be sung. happy diwali
The 2nd day markings the get together of Choti Diwali. This present day provides extensive faith based significance for people, as it is for this day that Lord Krishna conquered the devil Narakasur, thus giving a sigh of alleviation to individuals.As an element of its party, people massage therapy their bodies with oil to quote bye to exhaustion.
Narakasur thus
The Next day time is the principal working day.This is basically the Lakshmi Pujan or Diwali.The Lakshmi Puja is dedicated to the Lakshmi Goddess of success and prosperity. Lakshmi Pujan is conducted in each and every residence following sunset. Diwali is likewise viewed as a brand new 12 months for Enterprise. People buy new clothes and Swap Diwali Presents in India for this working day. Diwali is additionally about enlightenment of soul and burning up of all the our poor periods. It is about coming over the darkness of ignorance and moving in a solution and brighter planet. happy diwali
The 4th working day will be the Govardhan Puja the Fifth Time is Bhai Duj. Bhai-Duj can be a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and fondness from a buddy plus a sister. 'Bhai' implies buddy and 'Duj' indicates two times soon after new moon.. Each and every year the festivity arrives two times after Diwali in Kartik 30 days.Prior to Diwali a lot of arrangements are performed. Residences are bright white rinsed and effectively cleaned out. The wall surfaces are adorned with curtains and photos. In each and every home sweets are prepared or purchased in the industry. Sweet treats are traded between friends and relatives. Gifts can also be handed out amid loved ones and friends.
Kartik days Prior
The time itself is designated with wonderful rejoicing and merry-creating. Diwali is often known as the festivity of lights. The brightness at nighttime is actually a sight to see. There are actually lines of light-weight to be seen in the roof top of every residence developing. Earthen lighting fixtures are lighted in large figures. A lot of people are now using multicolored electric lamps to illuminate their homes. The festivity ends together with the worship of goddess Lakshmi at about 15 or 11 p.m. A photograph or perhaps a modest idol of your goddess is bathed in milk, prayers are available, and sugars are distributed. happy diwali
As the
- This event is celebrated from the calendar month of October or December based on the.
- The second day markings the get together of Choti Diwali. This.


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Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has resigned from Congress just a year after being shot in the head at an event outside a Tuscon supermarket. Preoccupied with her physical rehabilitation, Giffords explains in the video that it's best if she steps down despite previous speculation in the wake of her speedy recovery that she might take retiring Republican Senator John Kyl's seat. Though she gave no clear indication of her future in politics, Giffords did end her farewell in a way that could pave the way for an eventual return to national prominence: "I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."
Gabrielle Giffords Resigns from Congress Via YouTube


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BYOD: Breaking the Traditional Mold in Education
My name is Tom Patton, and I am a student at the University of Oregon and a Cisco intern. Presently, I support Cisco's Education Marketing Team. In this position, I have had the unique opportunity to observe a number of emerging trends in education, including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
This blog describes my thoughts on the technological transformation made by the Katy Independent School District. Recently, the district implemented a BYOD program, an initiative that encourages vs. limits, technology in the classroom. The results have been jaw-dropping.
From the minute I wake up in the morning until I go to sleep at night, I am completely immersed in technology. Be it a phone, computer, television, tablet, or mp3 player, I consistently interact with my devices for the entire day. One device is now used for multiple purposes, and all of my devices are interconnected. I am at the center of a vast web of technology. I rely on my smartphone to keep my calendar in order, stay on top of my email, search for information, set reminders, communicate with others for social or work-related purposes, and for a variety of other tasks. I use computers and tablets in much the same ways. This is how I stay organized, up-to-date, and informed. To some, this may sound ridiculous, but I am 100% reliant on these devices, and my success is directly related to my ability to use them.
After having spent two years in higher education, where it's acceptable to use technology devices, it is now difficult for me not to use those tools. In class, I use my computer to take notes and record lectures in case I need to listen to them later on. On occasion, I download slideshows from previous classes to review information that is unclear. On the web, I can find word definitions, look up facts and figures for the discussion, or reference topical or class information on the school's learning management system. Although the curriculum may not necessarily be integrated with the technology, simply having access to these tools allows students to be more engaged and more successful in class.
These ideas on technology are shared by the majority of members in the Millennial Generation. Like it or not, our generation needs these tools to be successful. Katy Independent School District (KISD) located outside of Houston, Texas, understands and has embraced this trend. After realizing that student engagement in their district was very low, KISD implemented a three-phase plan that would incorporate technology as a major component of teaching and learning in the district. The three main goals of the initiative were to introduce Web 2.0 products into the classroom, create an environment focused on digital citizenship, and pilot a program that would allow students to utilize their internet-enabled devices in school.
The district progressively increased the number of mobile devices in their teaching and learning model. After a number of years and multiple phases, KISD finalized their initiative and created a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) education model for the district. In this model, students are now allowed to use as many mobile devices as they would like in class, and the majority of their content is digital. Student engagement skyrocketed and test scores increased.
My generation is mobile and that is how we learn. At KISD, that is also how they teach.
In an effort to keep conversations fresh, Cisco Blogs closes comments after 60 days. Please visit the Cisco Blogs hub page for the latest content.
4 Comments
BYOD usually brings to mind the enterprise. Veru interesting to see it being used in the context of education.
Michael burgess
Good to hear from those that are affected by these decisions
Could you please explain the concept of digital citizenship. It is a very intriguing concept.


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Get DVD Talk Feeds
Monty (Idris Elba, "The Gospel") is an overworked car mechanic trying urgently to maintain custody of his three young daughters. Taking work as a driver, Monty meets Julia (Gabrielle Union, "Bad Boys II"), an uptight lawyer with man troubles up the wazoo. When Monty's repellent baby's momma (Tasha Smith) comes calling for custody, with her drug dealer boyfriend in tow, Monty panics and eventually loses his girls. Asking Julia for legal help, the two spark a romance that frustrates Monty and unearths the scorn of Julia's upper-class friends.
At the risk of coming off as a broken record, Tyler Perry might have an audience ready to swallow the Kool-Aid he passes around, but the man can't nail down the intricacies of drama or filmmaking. If this is even possible, "Girls" laps the previous two pictures in obviousness and pandering, turning what was intended as a mild change of pace for Perry into his worst film yet.
Educated in the theater, Perry still believes he needs to pitch his material to the second balcony. "Girls" is a shrill, brazen romantic opus that treats subtlety as some type of cootie, forcing Perry to recoil whenever the film gets within sneezing distance of screenwriting balance and directorial control. The man absolutely refuses to include one moment of honesty or truth in anything he creates. I wonder why he's so terrified of genuine emotion.
"Girls" is a broad melodrama, but one that traffics in stupidity to best endear itself to the potential audience. Like his other films, the story here is so monumentally over-the-top, you can hardly believe your eyes. With the parade of central casting drug dealers, 40-year-old rappers, Gabrielle Union comedic improvisations (you'll want to poke out your eyes during it), kindly old folk pushed around, and sass-mouthed little kids, there's no end to the picture's appetite for inanity. The movie a flat-out cartoon, and it's clear now that Perry doesn't recognize the difference between drama and parody.
Perry's strongest miscalculations are saved for the truly important areas, such as his lead character. Monty is intended as a kindly soul, yet in Perry's crayola writing and Elba's drowsy, crotch-first performance, the man comes off as a common thug. Over the course of the picture, Monty treats his kids as a nuisance, takes lustful advantage of an inebriated Julia, and is revealed to have spent time in prison for rape. Our hero, ladies and gentlemen.
In the best Tyler Perry fashion, the rape is passed off as inconsequential because the girl is Caucasian and rich. Draw your own conclusion there.
With threadbare cinematography and a spare production design straight out of "Pink Flamingos," careless African-American parental stereotypes, diseased usage of serious topics such a child abuse, and a closing morale that suggests violence is the best medicine for your problems (another reoccurring Perry touch), there's nothing in the film I would consider "inspirational" or "educational," as Perry's sycophants would like his critics to believe these venomous pictures are at their core.
"Daddy's Little Girls" is a frightening step backwards for the Perry empire, revealing a filmmaker who I once thought was just kidding around, but now it turns out he's legitimately incompetent and irresponsible.


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Value Snow Melt Control - 100-240VAC
- WEATHER-RESISTANT NEMA 3R ENCLOSURE: Operates from 100 to 240 VAC to work with a wide variety of applications. It also controls heater loads up to 16 amps, also operates at temperatures below the default set point (38°F or 3.3°C)
- MINIMIZES OPERATING COSTS: The SCV-DUAL makes automatic snow melting cost-effective in even the smallest applications, includes an internal magnetic reed switch used for manual heater cycling
- HOLD-ON TIMER: The adjustable hold-on period (3 hours default) and temperature set point allows for continued heater operation after snowfall stops to ensure complete melting, provides flexibility for a wide range of applications
- 24/7 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: The WarmlyYours troubleshooting team is available 24/7 to provide technical assistance or support at 800-875-5285
Value Snow Melt Control Description
This configurable aerial snow melting controller makes automatic snow melting cost-effective in even the smallest applications. Heaters operate at temperatures below the default set point (38°F or 3.3°C) only when the sensor detects precipitation at temperatures below 38°F. Plus, the adjustable hold-on period (3 hours default) continues heater operation after snow stops to ensure complete melting. The SCV-DUAL controller includes an internal magnetic reed switch used for manual heater cycling, as well as configuring the temperature set point and the hold-on time. The controller operates from 100 to 240 VAC to work with a wide variety of applications. It also controls heater loads up to 16 amps.
|Connection Method
|Maximum Current
Product Dimensions
|1.6 lbs
Documents & Manuals
- Snow Melting Installation Manual
- SCV Dual with Relay Wiring Diagram
- Snow Melting & Slab Heating Application Cross Sections
- Snow Melting 120–240V SCV-DUAL without Relay Wiring Diagram
- Snow Melting SCV-DUAL-Wiring Diagram Control
Operation Manuals
Project Planners
Technical Information
Wiring Diagrams
- SCV-120 Line Diagram for Snow Melting one or more circuit with relay panel
- SCV-120 Value Snow Melt Switch/Sensor
- Snow Melting SCV 120 Specifications
Sell Sheets
- 208V/277V Commercial Snow Melt Cables Sell Sheet
- Snow Melt Controller Comparison Sheet
- Snow Melting Cable Sell Sheet
- Snow Melting Mat Sell Sheet
- Value SCV-DUAL Snow Melt Control Sell/Specs Sheet
Case Studies
Customer Questions & Answers
How deep should snow melting heating elements be embedded in an outdoor surface like a driveway or walkway?
To ensure optimal performance, snow melting heating elements should be installed so that they are consistently 2"-3" from the finished surface. For installations using pavers, the maximum thickness for pavers installed over heating elements is 2.5".
What is the minimum depth for the layer of noncombustible material needed beneath snow melting heating elements?
The layer of noncombustible material needed below snow melting heating elements must be at least 2" deep.
Does the factory splice need to be completely embedded during installation?
Yes. The manufacturer's splice that connects the heating element to the cold lead should be entirely embedded in a noncombustible material (like asphalt, concrete, or mortar) within the outdoor surface that is being heated.
Will the snow refreeze into ice once melted?
All of our automatic controllers have a Hold-on time feature after the initial warming up of the snow melt system. This feature ensures that all the snow is melted from the surface, and also that the system continues to operate and evaporate the surface water without it refreezing.
How quickly do these systems melt the snow?
These systems are designed to melt 1" - 3" of snow per hour on average. Anything above 3" per hour is typically considered blizzard conditions.
What is the lowest temperature that a snow melt system can handle?
Our systems can handle low temperatures, but most controls come equipped with a Low Temperature Lockout Feature. This feature prevents the system from running by default in temperatures below 17F. At temperatures this low it becomes difficult for the system to effectively melt the snow. It is however possible to turn off this feature should you need the system to keep running during such low temperatures.
What type of conduit should I use to bring power to the heating cables?
Each heating cable comes with a factory installed cold lead wire that must be routed through the rigid metal 3/4" conduit to a outdoor rated junction box where a simple wire nut connection can be made for the electrical hook-up.
Will I need a new / expanded electrical panel for my snow melting system?
Always confirm the power requirements with the electrician. Large snow melting systems usually require a new electrical panel or electrical service. Contact WarmlyYours for a quotation, indicating the actual power capacity available, and to obtain recommendations for reducing the power consumption. For example, opting for tire track coverage rather than installing the snow melting system over the entire driveway can dramatically reduce power requirements.
How much power does the snow melting system use?
Power requirements are measured in Amps and based on three factors: the watts per sq. ft. of the snow melting cable or mat, the area powered and the voltage used for the application. Our product is rated at 50 watts per sq. ft., so that is a constant factor. Most snowmelt projects are powered with 240V AC – not all, but most. The one factor that is always variable is the area to be heated/powered. That is based on your project. For a point of reference, let's use the example above of a 350 sq. ft. concrete patio.
The formula is (50 W/sq. ft. x area of 350 sq. ft.) / V (240V) = Amps, so 17,500 / 240V = 72.9 Amps
How much does the snow melting system cost to operate?
To calculate the system's approximate operating costs, multiply the total kilowatts of the system by the cost per kilowatt in your area. Let's use the example of a 350 sq. ft. of concrete patio (residential application), with 240 VAC.
Total Watts: multiply area in sq. ft. x 50 Watts
350 x 50 = 17,500 Total Watts
Kilowatts: (the unit in we purchase electricity) take the Total Watts and divide by 1000
17,500 Total Watts / 1000 = 17.5 Kilowatts.
Kilowatt Rate: use the national average of .12 cents per Kilowatt-hours so how much do we pay for 17.5 kWatts?
17.5 kW x .12 = $2.10 for every full hour of operation.
Hours of Operation: We use a typical 6 hour snowfall for our example.
$2.10 x 6 hours = $12.60 for that snowfall.
All of this will vary due to "after-run time". "After run time" is where the system remains on extra hours after the snow has completed falling, to ensure complete pavement snow melting and drying.
How much does a snow melting system cost?
A snow melting system typically costs between $7.00 and $15.00 per square foot, not including a control. Control packages range from $250.00 and $1,500.00 per system.
What happens if the cable is damaged during the installation?
If a cable is damaged during installation, recheck the system for continuity and confirm the integrity of the insulation with a megohmmeter, or "megger" tester, referring to the installation and testing instructions. If the cable fails any of these tests, take the following actions: clear a 3 foot square working area around the damaged section of cable, and record the cable part number from the UL tag and the location where you purchased the product. Call WarmlyYours with the above information. WarmlyYours will provide further assistance and supply a splice kit suitable for repairing the particular cable.
May I cross or overlap the heating cable?
Never cross, overlap, or allow the heating cables to touch each other. Doing so will quickly cause a circuit failure due to excessive heat build up. Always follow the product instructions and/or design layout plan to ensure the cable is installed with the correct spacing required for proper operation.
May I cut the cold lead wires?
The electrician may shorten the cold lead wires during the installation. Any lead wire extensions/splices must be made in a junction box in accordance with the installation instructions, and must comply with all national and local electrical codes. Never cut the heating cable.
Can I cut the heating cable if it is too long for the application for which it was designed?
Never cut the heating cable. A heating cable will not work if it has been cut. If the heating cable is too long, call WarmlyYours to consult with a technician who will guide you in utilizing the additional length of cable.
How does the electric snow melting system compare to hot water tubing (hydronic) systems?
The material costs are similar. However, electric systems are easier to install, with fewer components and significantly lower maintenance costs. Electric systems will run for a shorter period of time to give the same level of performance but with much higher energy efficiency (typically 95%-98% efficient). Controls and sensors required for the two types of systems are very similar. Electric systems do not usually require slab insulation and do not create the concerns typically associated with hydronic systems. These concerns include, but are not limited to, return temperatures, flue gas venting, waterway shrinkage and property damage caused by leaking pipes or tubes.


text: I've utilized both VSH and Hygienic Italian breeders from Glenn for the past three years. (The last two years the hygienics were specifically Pol Line Hygienic Italians) I keep bees with no treatments. I've had great luck with both. I do share most peoples fondness of the Pol Lines. Top notch bee. I've had a lot of VSH F1's do very well also. Last I checked the II'd breeders for the past two years are still heading colonies with no treatments. I do not have issues with shotgun brood patterns. It was my understanding that was selected out of the breeding population. I keep seeing more and more pronounced VSH expression in my bees. I toy with a great deal of feral stock as well. I've caught feral swarms that express uncapping behavior to a great degree and keep low mite levels. Natural selection from varroa pressure? There are no other Beekeepers around using this stock unless they obtained it from me. I'm not touting these traits as the "silver bullet" but I feel they have improved my stock overall in regards to survivability.(absence of brood diseases, and overall lowering of mite levels) I look forward to adding other traits for varroa resistance to these I've already implemented as well.


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BEIJING - A territorial flare-up between China and Japan intensified Tuesday as two Beijing-sent patrol ships arrived near disputed East China Sea islands in a show of anger over Tokyo's purchase of the largely barren outcroppings from their private owners.
The China Marine Surveillance has drawn up a plan to safeguard China's sovereignty of the islands and the ships were sent to assert those claims, said the Chinese government's official news agency, Xinhua. The marine agency is a paramilitary force whose ships are often lightly armed.
The rocky islands, known as Senkaku to Japanese and Diaoyu to Chinese, have been the focus of recurring spats between the countries and also are claimed by Taiwan. The China-Japan dispute has been heating up in recent months, in part because the nationalist governor of Tokyo proposed buying the islands and developing them.
Japan's central government announced its own deal this week with the Japanese family it recognizes as the owner. Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told reporters the government budgeted 2.05 billion yen ($26 million) for the purchase "to maintain the Senkakus peacefully and stably."
Public broadcaster NHK said the government and the family signed a deal Tuesday.
The central government does not plan to develop the islands. Several experts interpreted the move as an attempt to block the plan by Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, which could have raised tensions further. Ishihara also had said he hoped to visit the islands in October.
"Ishihara put the national government in a very difficult spot. He pushed them into doing this now," said Sheila Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. But she said this was a "good outcome" that should be seen as an attempt by Tokyo to sideline Ishihara.
Japan cannot afford to let the dispute hinder its vital ties with China, its top trading partner, she said.
Smith said Tokyo needs to be able to work through "different problems with Beijing in order to make sure the economic interdependence between those two countries continues to serve both nations' needs."
Beijing, however, responded with fury.
"The determination and the will of the Chinese government and military to safeguard their territorial integrity are firm," Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said in a statement. "We are closely monitoring the development of the situation and reserve the right to take necessary measures."
Japan has claimed the islands since 1895. The U.S. took jurisdiction after World War II and turned them over to Japan in 1972. But Beijing sees the purchase as an affront to its claims and its past calls for negotiations.
Carlyle Thayer, an expert on regional security at the University of New South Wales in Australia, said the sending of the Chinese patrol boats "ups the stakes."
"It's a tit-for-tat response because China is extremely sensitive about sovereignty matters," he said.
Japan's coast guard said it has not taken any special measures in response to the Chinese patrol boats although it continues to monitor the situation.
Thayer said the Chinese boats would likely stop short of entering the 12 nautical miles around the islands that are considered territorial waters and administered by Japan.
"Japan has a pretty robust navy, a very strong and active professional coast guard. What is possible are the kinds of confrontations like occurred at Scarborough Shoal," a disputed reef where Chinese and Philippine boats faced off earlier this year.
"It's all posturing. It's a game of who blinks first," Thayer said.
Beijing's anger has been accompanied by heated reporting in China's state media. Reactions to Japanese actions are sometimes overstated in China, and a commentator in the People's Liberation Army Daily, the main newspaper of China's military, called Japan's move "the most blatant challenge to China's sovereignty since the end of World War II." China on Tuesday also started broadcasting a daily marine weather report for the islands.
About a dozen protesters gathered outside the Japanese Embassy in Beijing chanting, "Japan, get out of China." A car drove slowly toward the embassy's well-guarded gate but did not make a serious attempt to ram it and was stopped by uniformed and plainclothes police.
Xinhua reported that people had also taken to the streets to protest in two cities in the south and east. A number of people waved placards and the Chinese flag and shouted "Defend the Diaoyu Islands" outside the Japanese Consulate General in southern Guangzhou, Xinhua said. About 200 people marched in Weihai in Shandong province, singing the national anthem, it said.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry also lodged a strong protest to Japan. It called the island purchase an "extremely unfriendly move" that "not only harms the longtime cooperation between Taiwan and Japan but will also aggravate regional tensions in East Asia."
Top Japanese government officials maintain that the flare-up hasn't affected official ties with China, although Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada acknowledged that emotions on both sides were being fanned by activists.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met only briefly with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of this past weekend's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vladivostok, Russia, and Japanese news reports said Noda emphasized the importance of dealing with the island dispute from a broad perspective.
China also has announced coordinates marking out the waters off the Diaoyu Islands that it considers its territory, apparently for the first time after doing so earlier for the mainland and other islands.
The coordinates are another step, along with recent announcements of China's intention to use law enforcement vessels, to defend its sovereignty claim, said Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, northeast Asia project director for the International Crisis Group.
"It's primarily about being seen as taking action to pave the way for further actions to assert China's sovereignty," she said.
In Tokyo, Gov. Ishihara renewed his calls for the islands to be developed for future use by fishermen.
"It appears that the matter is decided," he told reporters. "They say they won't do anything, but China's leaders are still criticizing the plan."
Ishihara said he was freezing the 1.4 billion yen ($18 million) donated toward his purchase plan for the islands and would only release the funds to the government once it was clear whether a port or other facilities would be built.
He also suggested that Japan cooperate with the Philippines and Vietnam, which also have disputes with China in the South China Sea.
"We shouldn't see this as an issue that only concerns Japan," he said.
Foster reported from Tokyo. Associated Press writer Eric Talmadge in Tokyo contributed to this report.


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Man sentenced after planning to aid al-Qaida
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California man who told an undercover FBI agent that he was committed to waging jihad and planned to travel to Pakistan to train al-Qaida fighters was sentenced Monday to 13 years in federal prison.
Sinh Vinh Ngo Nguyen, 25, of Garden Grove pleaded guilty in December to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He had faced a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison.
"I simply do not understand how we can rehabilitate his commitment to die for his beliefs," U.S. District Court Judge John F. Walter said while discussing what potential threat Nguyen might pose after his release.
Nguyen shook his head no when the judge asked if he would like to make any remarks. The bespectacled son of Vietnamese immigrants sat through the proceedings with his hands shackled at the waist, twiddling his thumbs.
In a plea agreement filed in federal court, Nguyen acknowledged meeting someone he believed to be an al-Qaida recruiter several times between August and October 2013.
The recruiter was actually an undercover FBI agent. Nguyen agreed to travel to Pakistan via Mexico to train 30 al-Qaida fighters for an ambush on coalition soldiers, authorities said.
Judge Walter said he was confident that Nguyen would have carried out the "deadly mission" if the recruiter had been with al-Qaida.
Nguyen was arrested in Santa Ana in October while waiting for a bus bound for Mexico. At the time, he had a passport with a false name, along with a hard drive containing 180 weapons training videos, authorities said.
In a lengthy argument, defense counsel Yasmin Cader said Nguyen was diagnosed while in custody with a personality disorder "on the spectrum of schizophrenia."
The diagnosis explained his susceptibility to suggestion, especially in response to the undercover agent's "skillful script" that persuaded Nguyen to buy a plane ticket to Pakistan, Cader said.
Now in treatment, Nguyen's "magical thinking" has stopped, she said.
Cader also noted that terrorist organizations had turned down Nguyen when he offered his services.
"He's not a skilled tactician," she said. "He was rejected by everybody but the government."
Judge Walter said he couldn't excuse Nguyen's conduct, pointing to his prior decision to join rebel fighters in Syria.
From December 2012 to April 2013, Nguyen had traveled to Syria where he fought with forces opposing the regime of Bashar al-Assad. He boasted on Facebook about his first kill, the judge said.
Nguyen committed a quintessential terrorist act by offering to train al-Qaida fighters, Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Heinz contended.
"It doesn't take a lot of expertise to be able to kill people," Heinz said later in the proceedings.
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HALLEIN – The HYPERTURN series was conceived to gain considerable increases in productivity during series production. Complex as well as costly milling and drilling and even gear cutting operations can be carried out in only one work process. Additional clampings and the temporary storage of parts are no longer necessary and workpiece precision is greatly improved. Total production time, fixture and personnel costs, as well as floor space requirements can be drastically reduced by choosing to work with the HYPERTURN. By expanding the HYPERTURN series with the new EMCO CPS Pilot customers can now save even more costs while machining, since by using this software they are able to virtually plan, program, simulate and optimize the entire production on a computer running a 3D image of the machine. There are a number of extremely positive multiplier effects as a result of combining the HYPERTURN with the new EMCO CPS Pilot: costs and effort can be extremely reduced (see EMCO CPS Pilot press release), due to the perfect interaction between the CPS Pilot and the HYPERTURN.
EMCO's typical modular assembly, in combination with the substantial modular system, allows customizing the HYPERTURN 645/665 MCplus to the individual demands of the customer. Moreover, with the help of the two versions of the B axis (QuickMill – PowerMill) it has been possible to once again increase the economic efficiency of the production significantly. In the QuickMill version, the upper turret is equipped with a B axis which allows the upper turret to swivel to any position within a 45º arc, thus continuously supporting the lower tool system. In addition, it is characterized by extremely short tool-change times (0.2 seconds).
An even much higher milling performance can be achieved with the PowerMill: here a milling spindle with hollow-shaft motor replaces the top turret. The PowerMill is provided with a 24-tool or 28-tool magazine with Capto-C4-adapters. The result: an unbeatable and complete synthesis of turning and milling technology. This machine version is especially suitable for complete machining complex workpieces that require extensive milling due to its high degree of flexibility and high metal-cutting capacity.
The HYPERTURN 665 MCPlus is particularly interesting for the serial production of workpieces, for example in the automotive industry, the fields of mechanical engineering and materials handling, but also for the aircraft industry.
EMCO continues to live up to its reputation as an innovator and technology leader and by doing so is keeping its promise to continuously develop, improve and expand its product range. With the expansion of the successful HYPERTURN product line, by means of the EMCO CPS Pilot (Crash-Prevention-System Pilot), the pioneering mechanical engineering company from Hallein has once again showcased their great understanding concerning the high demands of industrial production.
Technical details/ Concept of the HYPERTURN:
Mechanical engineering:
The machine base is the core of the machine. The extremely rigid and compact welded-steel construction is filled with HYDROPOL®, an extremely high-quality and vibration-damping material made of special concrete and steel. Reinforcing materials provide additional rigidity in zones that are subject to intense stress. The high drive power of the main, counter or milling spindle can thus be fully converted without any limitations. The result: improved surface quality, more precise manufacturing tolerances, and longer tool life.
Main spindle and drive technology:
The high drive power of the spindles, combined with optimal torque curve, ensures economic efficiency in cutting steel, as well as high-speed cutting of aluminum. Highly dynamic Integrated Spindle Motors (ISM), mounted with large precision bearings, allow for a wide range of speeds with exceptional running truth. A symmetrical headstock, in combination with temperature sensors at the bearings and integrated liquid cooling, ensures thermostability.
All linear movements take place in preloaded, highly precise roller slides. This results in significant advantages concerning feed rates, zero backlash, service life, lubricant consumption and positioning accuracy.
Thanks to the unique sealing system at the guide shoe working in extremely dirty environments no longer poses any problem. As an additional safeguard cover plate strips made of spring steel are clipped onto the guide rails to attain a closed sealing surface.
C axis:
Technically speaking every spindle is also an axis. It can be brought into any position and positioned with defined feed motion, making it easy to produce complex contours at the periphery or front surface. The software required to program these movements (cylinder interpolation and/or transmit) is already included in the delivery. Synchronized thread cutting and polygonal turning are part of the machine's basic equipment.
Y axis:
The Y axis was realized by two interpolating axes. That results in a distribution of the cutting force in two levels and adds stability to heavy-duty turning and milling. Its travel of +/- 50 mm permits complex milling operations.
B axis "QuickMill" version:
Now, for the first time the B axis "QuickMill" version permits machining slanted bores, areas etc. without the employment of special holders. Due to the interpolation with other linear axes the possibilities are almost endless. Very short tool-change times (0.14 sec) and the use of the standardized VDI tool holder result in high economic efficiency.
B axis "PowerMill" version:
The B axis "PowerMill" version includes a powerful milling spindle with a 24-tool and 48-tool magazine. In combination with the lower 12-tool turret it is therefore possible to precisely manufacture complex machined parts.
In the tailstock version the HYPERTURN is particularly suited for mass machining shaft parts. The tailstock is completely NC controlled and can be positioned using a recirculating ball spindle. This enables the movement interpolating with other axes, saving machining time.
Tool holder:
The HYPERTURN 665 MC Plus comes equipped with two tool systems – one each on the top and bottom. The tool system on top is fitted with a 12-station turret with 12 driven tools. The lower tool system is equipped with a VDI quick-change system with an EMCO adjustment plate. EMCO's tool alignment system optimizes the VDI quick-change system. Alignment is no longer required. Short switching times accelerate processes. All tool holders are fitted with an internal coolant supply. This prolongs tool life and improves chip removal.
Work area:
The work area offers superb ergonomics, which results in very good accessibility to the individual components. Generously designed free space provides for an optimum chip flow even when machining critical materials. All guides are covered with sheets made of Niro to prevent damages.
Machine enclosure:
The machine enclosure of the HYPERTURN 665 MC Plus offers a comprehensive protection against flying chips and offers 100% coolant retention. A large safety glass window in the door permits an unobstructed view into the work area. Built-in buttons improve the ease of use of the machine.
Flexible automation systems:
The HYPERTURN offers an entire range of automation possibilities to facilitate efficient production e.g.: automatic bar loading, counter spindle unloading for long parts and a loading gantry. In addition, it is possible to cut back on personnel due to the integrated monitoring system.
Control unit:
Thanks to the SINUMERIK 840D, the HYPERTURN is equipped with one of the most advanced controls on the market. The drive and control package, which is entirely digital, is able to handle up to 10 channels and 31 axes. Technology cycles simplify both turning, as well as milling operations. By the means of coordinate transformations (TRANS, RED, SCALE, MIRROR), any number of machining processes can be realized in the space. Complex machining requirements can therefore be realized quickly and efficiently. The superior quality of the Sinumerik 840D is reflected in the high precision of each workpiece.
In order to operate the HYPERTURN in an ergonomic manner the swivel control has been placed on the left side of the HYPERTURN. Conversion times are shortened. The full alphanumeric keyboard makes programming easier.
Technical Data:
645 MC plus
665 MC plus
Max. bar capacity [mm]
Æ 65 (optional: Æ 76)
Max. speed [rpm]
Main spindle
Counter spindle
Driven tools
5000 (optional: 4000)
Max. drive power [kW]
Main spindle / counter spindle
22 / 22
29 / 22
Max. travel [mm]
With and without B-PowerMill X/X2
With and without B-QuickMill Z/Z2
280 / 205 and/or 400 / 205
750 / 750 and/or 900 / 750
Rapid speed X/Y/Z [m/min]
24 / 10 / 30
Number of tool adapters
2 x 12-tool VDI30 (optional: VDI40)
Number of tool positions
2 x 12
· HT 645 MC plus (TC): with counter spindle, without driven tools
· HT 645 MC plus (TCM): with counter spindle, driven tools
· HT 645 MC plus (Y): with counter spindle, driven tools and Y axis
· HT 645 MC plus (QuickMill): with counter spindle, driven tools and with Y-B axis
· HT 665 MC plus (TC): with counter spindle, without driven tools
· HT 665 MC plus (TCM): with counter spindle, driven tools
· HT 665 MC plus (Y): with counter spindle, driven tools and Y axis
· HT 665 MC plus (QuickMill): with counter spindle, driven tools and with Y-B axis
· HT 665 MC plus (PowerMill): with counter spindle, driven tools and with Y-B axis


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Green Screen by Do Ink makes it easy to create incredible green screen videos and images right on your iPad. The app lets you combine photos and videos from the camera roll with live images from your iPad's camera. Featured in "Best New Apps in Education" in iTunes and classroom-tested by kids and teachers, this app emphasizes ease-of-use and simplicity while still enabling you to get fantastic results. With Green Screen by Do Ink, you can tell a story, explain an idea, and express yourself in truly creative and unique ways.
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Animation & Drawing by Do Ink is the fun, creative way to make animations on your iPad. The app was designed to be easy for beginners and young animators, but with powerful tools for creating advanced animations. Use the drawing editor to create vector artwork and frame-by-frame (flip book) animations. Use the composition editor to combine your artwork – along with props from the Do Ink prop library – into more complex and sophisticated scenes. Save to the camera roll, then share your creations with friends, classmates, or the world!
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