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A while ago I did a post on the topic of Tiny House insurance, which you can read here. I have not forgot about that article and have been doing a lot of thinking around it as of late. Then I saw the wonderful post done by Laura Moreland over at Tiny House Listings and in the end she said that she hoped to start the conversation. So I thought it would be fun to do a response to her post!
Like Laura, I am not an insurance expert, so there is a lot to learn about the field, but I've done a good bit of research on this and I certainly know tiny houses, so take it for what it is worth.
One thing that Laura pointed out, as I did in my last post, was that there isn't a real viable option for insuring tiny houses. I have had a rare few tell me they were able to get insurance through a traditional insurance company by doing this or that. Regardless of how the did it or arranged it, I'll be honest, I don't trust it. I think if those few folks had to make a major claim they'd never see a dime; I say that not to be ugly, but to make the point that insurance companies will take one look at the tiny house, realize that they should have never said yes to it in the first place and then find a way out of paying.
The one point of contention I will take up with Laura's post is her logic on how much a tiny house should cost to insure. She stated
In terms of my home [900 square feet], I pay roughly $800 for insurance a year for the house and contents. It stands to reason then that I would expect to pay $200 a year to insure THO because as it stands, it is roughly ¼ of the value.
So essentially when you have a person you want to insure you must be able to determine the risk that insuring that person brings, meaning the likely hood they will submit a claim, how often and for how much. The higher the risk, the higher the cost of the insurance. Insurance companies determine this risk by developing actuarial tables that will predict the likelihood that someone will make a claim. It's a pretty complex process and based off of really big data sets. The complexity and level of detail that goes into this means that insurance costs vary wildly from location to location, as well as on a ton of other variables.
So the line of thought I'd propose on price is that the cost of insurance for a tiny house should not be based off of value solely, but that of the assumed risk and that you should be collecting more money than you pay out. I think many insurance professionals would agree with this statement. So the question now is, how much risk does a tiny house bring? I think if we were honest about it, the answer is a lot. It is after all why traditional insurance companies won't insure us, because we are too risky of a proposition.
So while the cost of a tiny house is much less, the risk is much higher. So the costs to insure it will still be pretty high.
This isn't what a lot of people want to here, but I have a few solutions to this that could help make swallowing this pill a bit easier, but also help keep tiny house insurance premiums lower. The two things we'd want to achieve is to minimize risks so that the group as a whole can cover their members appropriately while being able to ensure stability for the future; second we want to weed out potential bad apples that will abuse, extort or try to game the good intentions of insuring tiny houses.
Be Transparent
I am a true believer that you need to be honest in your dealings with people and when it comes to someone's home, there is few things in this world that we care about more (of course the people matter more). So the mantra trust, but verify is key here. We need to build a system that is very transparent because we need to earn the trust of our members.
However we choose to structure this, we need to be crystal clear about it. Even though I propose a non profit model, even though it should be transparent, even though this project would have the best intentions, there are some realities and decisions about those realities that will need to be made. Things like the points I propose below are good examples. So we need to be practical, but we also need to be really clear up front and make sure people can easily understand the minimal fine print. If we can do that, then people can make informed decisions about if they want to join or not. If I have learned anything from blogging it is, be honest about who you are and what you stand for and own it.
Enact standards
In order ensure that the tiny houses that are insured aren't poorly built, we need to develop some sort of standard. The idea being that since tiny houses are often DIY affairs, you need to be sure people aren't making honest mistakes that could have dangerous consequences. I don't think this would have to be a huge set of standards, but there are some key areas of focus that we could advise on which would address safety and structural issues.
Now many people will not like to hear me proposing what amounts to building codes, but I think that if we don't do it ourselves, someone else will at some point; I think we'd rather help determine the direction than a profiteer or politician. Next is that these should be accessible, meaning free and easy to understand. The should also be community driven and reviewed, meaning that people from our community help steer this process, then open it up for feedback from the rest of the community. It should also be used a teaching tool, not as a way to penalize people; the goal should be to empower first time builders and ensure safety.
High deductible policy and diminishing rates
To help reduce the cost of plan, I think we should have it designed in a way that people only make claims on major damage and total loss. If you break a $80 window, it shouldn't be a claim, because small claims will lead to the insurance fund getting nickled and dimed out of existence; we need to balance being their for people in times of needs and being sure that we can stick around as that protection for tiny house people for the long term.
So to achieve this I propose a high deductible, a level TBD and one that could be lowered as the co-op grows to have more members, which will have people in the insurance co-op will handle small things on their own, but sleep well at night knowing that if their house burns down, we are there for you. The other thing we can do is to encourage people who don't have any claims by reducing their monthly rate after a certain period of time. So if you have been with the insurance co-op for a few years, your monthly bill will be negligible; this will encourage people to stick with the co-op long term, but also only make a claim when it is really needed. I will also propose an unpopular point here, if you make a claim, your rates will return to normal rates for a pre-determined period; this too will help people make claims on only big things.
With dealing with new members to the co-op I think you should always be trusting, but being that this would be a non profit (meaning for the public good) and that existing members are entrusting you to make decisions for the group to ensure that their tiny houses are protected, you need to do your due diligence on vetting new members and ensuring claims are legitimate. Again, this won't be a popular point, but if I am going to say to someone, I got your back if things take a turn for the worst, If I'm going to say I am here for you, I mean it. So again, I think if I am transparent about the process, that it will include checks and what those checks are, then you can make an informed decision to join or not.
Okay this turned out to be a lengthy post, I had to gloss over a lot, but here are some of the ideas I wanted to put out there for the conversation.


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Johnson, 24, was quietly released by City in December and has now revealed he has been receiving treatment at the Priory Clinic, which specialises in mental illnesses, for some time.
Johnson, a dynamic midfielder once tipped as a future England international and linked with a big-money move to Liverpool, fell by the wayside after being hit by a succession of injuries.
A loan move to Leicester was cut short a year ago and City reached a settlement over the remainder of a contract which was due to expire this summer.
Johnson last played for City in October 2009 and so never featured under Mancini, who took charge two months later, but the Italian is saddened by his plight.
Mancini said: "Michael Johnson was a guy with a big talent and I am sad for this, sad for him. He could do everything with his talent. I am very sorry for him. I hope he can resolve all his problems."
Such was Johnson's decline that he was nowhere to be seen when City won the Barclays Premier League last May and his removal from the first-team squad's web page before Christmas went unnoticed.
City have moved on considerably since the days when Johnson was regarded as the club's future.
Just over three years ago Vincent Kompany was not a regular in the side and was often deployed as a midfielder.
Now he is the heart of the defence and an inspirational captain.
His success this week in appealing against his sending-off in last Sunday's defeat at Arsenal was greeted by much relief at the Etihad Stadium.
A three-game suspension would have significantly weakened Mancini's central defensive options at a time when Kolo Toure is at the African Nations Cup and Micah Richards is injured.
Mancini said: "I am very pleased because I think it is correct, like this. The referee managed the game very well but, in that situation, probably he didn't see great.
"From his position he thought it was a red card but I think that tackle was not a red card.
"Sometimes it probably could be. In England, a tackle is an important moment and it is clear that there are some players that do a bad tackle and deserve a red card, but not in that case."
Kompany's dismissal was the only negative from an otherwise impressive 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium that kept Manchester United's lead at the top of the table to seven points.
City now have the chance to apply pressure to their rivals as they take on Fulham at home a day before United face a tough test at Tottenham on Sunday.
Mancini said: "Fulham are a good team, they have good players. When we played them away, we won the game in the last second.
"We played very well and deserved to win but Saturday will be a different game. They won their last game away against West Brom, they are very dangerous on counter-attack.
"Their manager has big experience and he knows he can do well. It depends on us."
City could be boosted by the return of star striker Sergio Aguero for the clash with Martin Jol's men.
The Argentinian has missed the last two games after tearing a hamstring in the New Year's Day win over Stoke.
Forward Samir Nasri is back from suspension and midfielder Jack Rodwell, out since October with the latest in a series of hamstring problems, could be on the bench.
Mancini said: "I am happy because I am sure Jack will be an important player for us in the future, because he is young.
"If we have solved his problem - his hamstring injuries have been often - he will be an important player.
"(On Saturday) he will be ready, but probably for 20 minutes, no more."
Midfield linchpin Yaya Toure is also on international duty but Richards and fellow defender Maicon are now the only injury concerns.
Mancini has again downplayed speculation he could strengthen his squad in the current transfer window.
He said: "In January it is difficult to take good players.
"Maybe we can find young players. If we have this chance in the next 10-12 days, probably we can do something but I am not sure."
Reserve team striker John Guidetti, who had a successful loan spell at Feyenoord last season but has been hampered by leg problems relating to a virus this term, has been linked with another temporary switch.
The Swede did score for City's elite development squad this week but Mancini does not expect him to move out again.
He said: "Guidetti is not ready to play in this minute. It is difficult for him to recover after his injury. I think he needs another two months."

subset: commoncrawl


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UT Dallas Drafts Plans to Build Fourth Residence Hall in Five Years
Aug. 9, 2012
The new building, designed to match the University's existing residence halls, will be built near the other structures off Rutford Avenue.
New Structure to House 400 Students with a Target Opening Date of Fall 2013
The UT System Board of Regents has approved plans to construct a fourth residence hall at UT Dallas in time for the fall 2013 semester.
Construction will begin this fall on the 400-bed facility, leapfrogging plans for an already approved 600-bed residence hall and dining facility targeted to open in August 2014.
Increasing enrollment and a demand for on-campus living have sped up construction plans for what will be the University's fourth housing structure in five years. The new facility, to be built just west of Residence Hall South off Rutford Avenue, will replicate existing residence halls, including one set to open this August.
With student enrollment up 27 percent over the last four years, the University has helped students identify apartments within a 3-mile radius of campus, and has partnered with the city of Richardson to expand bus routes that will accommodate more students in off-campus apartments. But providing more on-campus housing is a priority, said President David E. Daniel.
The building's first floor will include a lounge and recreation area.
"Our residence halls are desirable because our University does an excellent job of educating our students, and because such care and thought has gone into providing a high-quality residential experience that supports academic progress," Dr. Daniel said. "Our administrative and facilities people have done an excellent job of getting these much-needed residence halls on the way to completion."
Like the other residence halls, the new four-story building's entry will feature a 1,800-square-foot rotunda. Its first floor will include a lounge and recreation area with a kitchen, laundry room, mailroom, study room, classroom, restrooms and offices. The second floor includes additional study areas and a media room that can function as a classroom if needed.
Each student suite will include a living area furnished with a couch and chair; a shower, toilet and vanity with three sinks; and a lockable sleeping room with a bed, dresser, bookcase, desk and chair for each occupant. Living areas will have built-in counters with phone, cable, data and convenience electrical outlets, and an area for a small refrigerator.
Housing construction has been ongoing since 2009, when UT Dallas opened its first residence hall, followed by a second in 2011 and a third last August.
Current student housing is operating at 100 percent occupancy, said Matt Grief, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but those who do are required to live in the Residence Halls, subject to availability.
"We're excited about this new residence hall, which expands our ability to provide housing for UT Dallas students," Grief said.
"We firmly believe that students who choose to live on campus have a more well-rounded collegiate experience, simply because they're right in the mix of things. From being nearer to professors and academic resources like the McDermott Library and the Student Success Center, to onsite dining options, to social activities, campus living has almost all they need to reach their goals," he said.
The estimated cost of the project is $31 million. The design is being managed by the engineering and architectural firm Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
Media Contact: Robin Russell, UT Dallas, (972) 883-4431, [email protected]
or the Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].


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Below is the most recent news from PNNL. To view an entire year's news, select the year from the list at the right.
Sign up for our reminder service and you will receive an email each time information is added to our website.
Choose from one of the following years to see past archives:


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Flights to Turku
Finland's oldest city – still going strong
Turku is Finland's oldest city, settled around the end of the 13th century. It was the most important city in the country until 1812, when Helsinki became the new Finnish capital, but Turku remains an important center for business, culture and education – and an enjoyable place to visit. Turku was one of the two European Capitals of Culture in 2011, along with Tallinn, Estonia.
The word Turku means marketplace. It is an apt name for the historic port city located at the mouth of the Aura River on the southwest coast of Finland with the beautiful Archipelago Sea on the city's doorstep. Turku is officially bilingual. It is called Åbo in Swedish and a regular ferry route connects Turku with Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, across the Baltic Sea.
Visitors may find the city to be the most charming in the summer, with daylight hours stretching into the evening, many festivals and pleasant weather for an archipelago cruise or stroll along the city's riverbanks. At the same time, Turku is also the official "Christmas City of Finland" and there is wonderful shopping, fun events and many delightful indoor sites to enjoy when the city celebrates the holiday spirit.
Discover Turku
Turku is a great city to explore on foot, with most of the sights located within 1.5 miles of the lively Kauppatori Market Square in the city center. The imposing Turku Castle and impressive Turku Cathedral bear testament to the city's long-standing position of power and influence. Finnish life of days gone by comes alive at the Kylämäki Village of Living History (free admission) and Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, which showcases over 30 craftsman workshops and dwellings. Among the city's other museums, you can enjoy an intriguing archeology museum, a number of interesting art museums and an extensive music museum. The city's culinary scene is rapidly developing, so drop in at one of the cool restaurants and cafés along the way.
During the summer, a favorite activity for Finns and visitors alike is a half- or full-day cruise on the Archipelago Sea. Some cruises include a stop at an idyllic island, dinner and dance, or activities for children.
Fly with SAS to Turku
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers convenient and comfortable flights from North America to Turku. Our flights depart from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. and include a convenient stopover in Copenhagen, Oslo or Stockholm. From Stockholm, you can also catch an overnight or daytime ferry to Turku.


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I want to be a successful enterprise Java developer. With what algorithms and data structures should I be well versed? What books would you recommend to me?
To be a successful Java developer, do I need to know all the advanced algorithms such as those given in CLRS?
Can you suggest a list of the topics that I should learn in the descending order of their priority?
Must I know:
- Searching?
- Sorting?
- Graphs/Trees?


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I have been trying to maintain my peace and equilibrium these past few days, knowing the wingnuts were going to come out of the woodwork after the shooting in Newtown, trying to make political headway/religious headway out of this senseless act. I expect bullshit from the politicians, even the Westwood Baptist Church. Ray Comfort, James Dobson and that ilk doesn't surprise me. Par for the course for them. Reprehensible? Yes. Evil? Yes. Lacking any shred of common decency for your fellow man? Yes. So what else is new about that. Nothing. It's what they do.
But what is really yanking my chain is the response from everyday people around me. Actually agreeing with these sanctimonious, depraved, vile, abject, base, corrupt, loathsome, perverted, nefarious, repugnant, sleazy "men of god". Not all, of course, but enough to make me want to scream and pull out my hair. How the fuck can a loving god allow this? Because we have taken god out of the schools. Simple. Yeah, forcing Muslims, Buddhists, Jews and all others to repeat Christian prayers in school will magically make all violence disappear. Yeah, well all I have to say is FUCK YOU!!!
People, open your eyes. Think. This was not "allowed to happen". This was not a "judgement on America". This has nothing to do with god, religion, gays marrying, legalizing pot, or anything else you can try to attach to this all too human tragedy. These people were not "called home". A sick and perverted individual, who had access to assault style weaponry, did it.
And while I'm at it, I also don't want to hear "guns don't kill people, people kill people". If there has ever been a more idiotic saying, I simply can't think of it now. Duh.
I know this was kinda rambling, but I'm pissed, and just had to get this off my chest. Thanks for letting me vent.
Views: 442
People search for reasons why things happen. We, as atheists, are not immune. When stupid people say stupid things, we want to "bitch slap" them. Does it do any good? No. We are not going to change their minds and we will drive ourselves crazy if we try. Let them hang themselves with their diatribe. I have had more success with fence-sitters by staying silent until they ask me what I think after an idiot goes to the "deep blue heavens." I then give them logical reasons behind my atheism. I am not angry. I am not condescending. I do not put their religion down. I see it as a teachable moment.
And ofttimes, when challenged for a "reason" why something happened (as an opening for another to posit God), I respond, "I don't know. That is an acceptable answer in science and reason."
Try to posit a god for an unknown, just point out that is a logical fallacy, or simply X=God, God=X, neither equation means anything because neither term is defined. Unless you can define a god (show it exists, display or otherwise demonstrate its attributes, &c), the word is no more meaningful than the variable X.
Or just tell them they don't get their own facts, they have to be ascertainable by anyone.
A non-xian (whose name I don't recall) defined the god term: a supernatural being who possesses all the ideal qualities of a human father.
The natural fathers of many xians didn't satisfy their needs, so they fantasize a desired father.
We wouldn't be looking for logical or mathematical attributes, would we?
Tony, this is a great place to vent. And you are right on every line. Thank you!
The question "why?" is, in this situation, as absurd as the answers one gets when the question is asked.
The only "why?" questions that can be reasonably answered are the self evident ones . . . like
"Why did you move your foot?"
"Well, because I dropped a brick, and there is this thing called gravity".
"Why were you late?"
"Because I had a flat tire."
Those "why?" questions are not of the same nature as a question like "Why was Hitler so bad?" . . . or . . ."Why did Adam Lanza do what he did?" and they are essentially unanswerable beyond the obvious: "It's what he wanted to do." I doubt that even Lanza himself had the introspective ability to answer that question. It remains to be seen if American society has the introspective ability to come to grips with the variety of its many forms of social insanity.
The question we should be asking in the public realm is "What can we learn from this tragedy?" and even then, the answer might very well be "not much".
"What can we do in the immediate future to prevent such horrors?" Now that is a question that has many valid answers, and that is where our collective attention should be focused.
Trying to answer "why?" is a waste of time.
Though I live in, putatively, the most religious state outside the Bible Belt, no one around here has put up the claim the shooter was somehow the "instrument of God's wrath with America."
The religious folk in my village, like myself, are just stunned that someone could do that at all.
There is one potentially good thing that the religious wingnuts can do for the reason-minded around here.
Since just about every television set is Super-Glued to Fox News and such statements get traction on that alleged news network, and what they have to compare the ravings of Beck and Hannity and Dobson and the Westboro Baptist Church with are the two atheists they know in person (me on the city council and with a gaily-married sister, my wife on the public library board, and both about as mild as they come), the claims that "atheists" or others are the "evil" in our society do not square with what they see on television.
And it makes them question their beloved pundits just a little bit. They do not see us as evil. And if we are not evil, perhaps there are others who are also not evil, and maybe this shooter (and the one in Pennsylvania who did his thing whilst the NRA was making its public statement against the mentally ill, film, and video games) had other issues, not the "flaming bullets of God's wrath."
And perhaps one or more just might be persuaded to consider these alleged religious leaders are manipulating them. They have living evidence to the contrary in my wife and me.
Just as the Evangelicals are trying to take over all society one person at a time, we must push back the same way.
Say, did I hear you on Ask and Atheist recently? You're a celebrity! ;)
Seriously, though, that's a great story you tell, and an inspiring one. It's good to hear about a world where everyone is willing to work and live together and not worry too much about faith or creeds.
Hey Tony if you are on that show I would like a link to it. I would love to hear it.
Yes I was on Ask an Atheist, (I don't know about the celebrity part though) on a show about an apostate Muslim and atheists in government. The original interview was to be with Rep Pete Starke and me, but Mr Starke had another sudden issue come up, so they gave me all his time.
For the link, if you are interested, The Elections and Islam takes you to the summary of the show (which includes the original E-mail I sent to Ask An Atheist that prompted the interview, and the link to the Podcast).
Thank you James Kz - I downloaded the podcast and subscribed to the show.
James -
The radical value of being "out" is in humanizing the "other".
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Police are trying to determine the target of a spate of gunfire in Old City late Thursday night that left one man dead and another wounded after a rap show.
Cops said a tour bus carrying the crew and entourage of rapper French Montana left a show he headlined at the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street late Thursday night, with cars of fans in tow.
When the bus pulled over around midnight on Christopher Columbus Boulevard near Race Street, outside the Holiday Inn Express where the group had rooms reserved for an after-party, police said a crowd formed outside the bus.
A four-door sedan pulled up, rolled down a window and fired into the crowd through a window, Philadelphia police Capt. James Clark said. Clark said 26-year-old Jowann King, of New York, was shot in the abdomen and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Another man, a 28-year-old from New York, was shot in the shoulder and survived. The man, whose name was not released, was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in a private vehicle and was listed in stable condition, police said.
Police are still determining who the intended victim was.
"We're still trying to get a bigger picture on who the target was," Clark said.
King is not believed to have been a member of Montana's direct entourage, police said.
Clark said investigators are continuing to question witnesses to sort out what happened.
After shots were fired from the sedan, at least two people in the crowd pulled guns and fired back. No shots were fired from the tour bus, Clark said. He said Montana and Meek Mill -- the Philadelphia-born rapper infamous for his legal run-ins in the city -- were both on the bus during the incident.
A stream of about two dozen men and woman walked out of Philadelphia police headquarters Friday morning after being questioned in the shooting, and piled into a police van to be taken elsewhere. Many were members of Montana's entourage, and wore jackets and shirts bearing the words "Coke Boys," which is the name of Montana's group.
Several repeated "no comment, no comment" when asked about the shooting, and said they did not know the identity of the man who was killed. One man said Montana was not the target of any violence.
"Make sure y'all crack down on these gun problems," said the man, who did not identify himself. "There's a lot of guns in the city."
Clark said Montana and his entourage had been "very cooperative."
The rapper told reporters outside police headquarters that "nobody was shooting at me."
Police are working to obtain surveillance footage and asking for information from witnesses.
"We believe someone saw something," said Clark, who noted that there were hundreds of bystanders.
"It could have been a lot more tragic," he said.
Cops found at least seven shell casings near the tour bus in the northbound lanes of Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Chief Inspector Scott Small said a car found unattended parked on 10th Street near Jefferson Hospital's emergency room was riddled with bullet holes and being held for fingerprints. Police believe that car took the surviving victim to the hospital.
Investigators said they found narcotics stuffed into chair cushions in the lobby of the Holiday Inn where witnesses were held after they were taken to the Homicide Unit.
According to his online biography and a preliminary interview he gave to investigators, French Montana is the CEO of Cocaine City Records in New York City. The 28-year-old Moroccan-born rapper hit Philadelphia as part of his "Excuse My French Tour" to promote his debut album, which drops in May, his website says.
The rapper, who earlier Thursday tweeted a shout-out at Meek Mill didn't appear to be fazed by the violence that erupted outside his tour bus. Shortly after the shooting, he tweeted an Instagram photo of a police officer interviewing a man in the Holiday Inn lobby with the caption, "nobody got time for this shit" (see screenshot above).
Early this morning, a fire roared in the hotel lobby of the Holiday Inn Express, and the empty bus was still parked across the street with an NBA game playing on a television inside. Three workers, including a desk clerk, said they saw the cars pull up at the time of the incident. But, they said they didn't hear or see anything, and were surprised there was a shooting.
Later in the morning, about 20 people mingled in the lobby area. One patron who was staying at the hotel overnight said a car was on fire in the parking lot just before the shooting and police were already on the scene investigating that fire.
The patron reported hearing about a dozen shots fired around Montana's bus.
Staff reporter Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman contributed to this report.


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Saturday, 24 January 2009
I've stalled
Perhaps those of you who said I'll never lose the weight are feeling good in your skin.
There's nothing more motivating than announcing your diet on the internet. But Thursday night I only got 3 hours of sleep (partly because I was starving, partly because The Lorax just woudn't sleep). I've never know sleep deprivation like I've experienced the last few weeks (now that I'm starting formal Danish lessons and work) and it is hard to lose weight while sleep-deprived. At least that's been my experience. (Happily I slept a solid 9 hours last night!)
Plus it takes a long time to recover from a road marathon. I still can't run with any sort of speed. I have developed a strange quadriceps tendinitis over my left knee. It didn't show up until a week after the race.
Well, I'm just rambling now.
Enjoy the weekend!
Running song of the day: Furr by Blitzen Trapper
4 comments:
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- 24 January 2009 at 18:12
Well, Sea Legs, I have to admit that I just ate some chocolate before reading your post! ;-) Your stall is probably temporary - but I wonder if some cross-training or interval training could get you back on track? Something your body isn't used to (like kickboxing, for example) that would not involve repetitive strain on your knees?
I'm about to try that myself because I am just so tired of running on the treadmill and am a big wimp about running outside in the winter.
Glad your little one let you get some sleep! He is awfully cute.
- 24 January 2009 at 21:47
- Danni said...
There's no doubt in my mind that you can lose it. Patience grasshopper.
Maybe it's time to whip out the infamous oatmeal diet :p I'll mail you oatmeal if you need it.
- 25 January 2009 at 21:00
- Kate said...
Just commenting to say that I really hope (and can only assume) that anyone who voted "all moms are destined to be overweight" was totally joking. Right? Right?
If not, then, to them I say: How rude! Pfbbbbbt!
No one could possibly read your blog and think that about you, though, so I feel I can sleep comfortably at night knowing that these people were just kidding.
- 26 January 2009 at 18:10


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Template:Venturing Gold Award/req
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
Mobile Menus: Cub Scouts - Scouts BSA - Venturing - Sea Scouts
- The candidate must have at least 12 months' tenure as an active, registered Venturer before final qualification.
- Earn at least one Bronze Award.
- The candidate must have been an active member of the Venturing crew, and served in one or a combination of leadership roles within the past 12 months (roles may be concurrent) as follows.
- For leadership roles within the crew, a candidate might be:
- a. A crew officer.
- b. A team leaders' council member or committee member.
- c. An activities chairman for one of the crew's two-day activities or superactivity.
- For leadership roles outside the crew, a candidate might be:
- a. An elected youth officer of a religious or school organization.
- b. An elected or appointed team leader.
- The candidate must have participated in a district, council, area, region, or national Venturing event.
- The candidate must, in consultation with the crew Advisor or a member of the crew committee, set and accomplish one personal growth goal related to each of the following areas: citizenship, leadership, service to others, community/family, outdoor experience, and total fitness. (Six personal growth goals).
- For personal growth, a candidate might
- a. Complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course.
- b. Plan and carry out a personal exercise program over a four-month period, i.e., jogging, running, swimming, weight reduction, or physical conditioning.
- c. Practice for, and attain, the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
- d. Complete a reading program of the scriptures, classic literature, historical series, etc.
- e. Serve for six months as a reading counselor for a child with reading problems.
- f. Visit a nursing home on a regular basis over a four-month period to help write letters or to read to patients or provide personalized services.
- The candidate must plan, prepare for, and lead to completion two or more crew activity projects that relate to at least two of the following areas: citizenship, leadership, service to others, community/family, outdoor experience, and total fitness. Suggested crew activity projects are listed separately below. (Two crew activity projects).
- For crew/ship activities, the action should involve at least five Venturers, and it should require a minimum of four to six months from inception to completion; the project should be approved and the goals of the project set by the crew Advisor and/or a member of the crew committee and the Venturer candidate. Both parties should certify the completion of the project(s). Activities should be arranged to fit into normal crew programming. Qualifying crew/ship activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- a. Plan and, with the help of at least four other Venturers, carry out a conservation project that is approved by an agency of the federal, state, or local government, such as the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management, state division of parks and recreation, city or county parks department, etc.
- b. Plan and chair a committee that stages a major social activity involving crew members and their parents, or crew members and their entire families.
- c. Plan and carry out a series of crew activities over a four- to six-month period, related to an interest of crew members. Professional or volunteer consultants could be asked to present information regarding their specialty, profession, or occupation.
- d. Help organize a new Venturing crew, or revitalize an inactive crew; coordinate activity with BSA local council staff members.
- e. Organize a recruitment drive to add members to your own crew or to other crews in the district/council. The drive should last at least one month, and the recruitment plan should include specific activities oriented toward recruiting new members, goals, methods of publicity, etc.
- The candidate must be able to recite the Venturing Oath. (Oral Venturing Oath presentation made before the Venturing crew).1
- The candidate must submit three letters of recommendation to the crew Advisor that confirm he or she lives in accordance with the principles of the Venturing Oath. The letters should come from adults outside the crew, such as school or religious leaders, employers, or community leaders.
- After completing all other requirements, the candidate should prepare evidence of completion of the work and submit it to the crew Advisor. The crew president, in conjunction with the crew Advisor, should then appoint a review committee of four to six people including Venturers and adults. The committee should review the candidate's written presentation and interview the candidate to determine whether that person grew as a result of the pursuit of the Gold Award. (Presentation orally and in writing is made before the Venturing crew review committee).2 No district or council review board is required.3
- Finally, the candidate must have qualified for the Gold Award before his or her 21st birthday.
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15-Jun-2015 07:37
Now, I can vend just on the weekends because I have loyal customers who keep coming back for my authentic soft tamales.
And they can expect real Mexican tamales for a long time, because I'm teaching my kids the tricks of the trade so one day they can inherit the business and experience the joy that comes with working hard and making great food for a great city.
Being a mobile food vendor gives me the best of both worlds: I can provide for my family while being around them.
But a cap enacted in the 1980s limits the number of available food permits so vendors like me who want to earn an honest living simply can't.
If the Committee votes to lift the caps, thousands of local New York City vendors will finally be able to own and operate their businesses.
You can help me and other mobile food vendors throughout New York City achieve our dreams.
But commuting for hours every day at jobs I didn't love prevented me from seeing the very people I was doing it for: my family. I began selling tamales door-to-door six days a week, sometimes going to bed around 2AM and waking up at 4AM to continue preparing for the upcoming day.
It was hard, but becoming a small business owner let me pick my hours; so the minute that bell rang and my kids were out of school, I could be around them.
And there's a lottery to get on the wait list, and there are over 2,000 people on it—and people can wait over a decade to actually get a permit.
When I first left Mexico and came to America 20 years ago, I never imagined trying to create a good life for my family would be almost impossible—and punishable by law. My name is Guadalupe and I am a wife, mother, and mobile food vendor.
I've worked jobs ranging from housekeeper to attendant at a dry cleaners.
Please sign this petition and help us tell City Council to lift the caps!
New York City should be the heart in the land of opportunity, but instead, these caps limit opportunity for thousands every year.In October, legislation that would increase the number of available permits was introduced to the New York City Council's Committee on Consumer Affairs.


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Duck with Grappa & Raisins
- Serves 4
- Brian Streeter
- Pairs well with:
- Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley
A glamorous, comforting dish from Chef Brian Streeter using grappa with roast duck. Pairs wonderfully with Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir.
1 c. grappa
1/2 c. golden raisins
1 whole duck, approx. 5 lbs.
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3 sprigs fresh sage, roughly chopped
2 c. duck or chicken stock
salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 450°F. Cover the raisins with the grappa and set aside. To prepare the duck for roasting, remove the large pockets of fat from inside the cavity of the duck. Remove the fat from around the neck and chop the neck into one inch pieces, reserve. Cut off the last two joints of the wings. Cut in half and reserve with the neck pieces. Season the inside cavity and the outside of the duck with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with butcher's twine. Set duck in a large skillet on its side. Place in the top half of the oven and roast for ten minutes. Turn duck on its other side and return to the oven. After ten minutes turn duck breast side up, brush with the rendered fat in the pan. Drain off the excess fat and add the vegetables, cut up duck parts, garlic and sage to the pan. Turn the oven temperature down to 375°F. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another hour and ten minutes brushing occasionally with the fat in the pan. Duck is done when the skin is an even dark brown and if you pierce the leg the juices run clear. Remove to a platter or cutting board to rest while you make the pan sauce. Drain off all the fat from the pan, return to the top of the stove and place over high heat. Caramelize vegetables and bones on all sides. Strain the grappa off of the raisins. Take skillet off the heat and add the grappa. Be careful not to get the skillet too close to the flame as it is highly flammable. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any of the brown glaze. Reduce until almost dry. Add the duck or chicken stock and reduce down to a light sauce consistency. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Add any juices that have accumulated from the duck along with the raisins. Return to a simmer and reserve.
To serve, slice duck and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve with glazed turnips.


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Paul Nagle necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 248 diseños de 42 diseñadores freelance.
Lacoa Management
A start-up business combining extensive experience in delivering project management, management consulting, and coaching and development services to medium to large business and corporates in mining and professional services sectors throughout Australia. We bring a fresh approach, are highly creative and energetic in delivering unique solutions to our clients, and combine a fast-paced work environment with a fun approach. We believe in working with our clients to deliver improved efficiency and results - at an organisational, project and individual level.
Medium to large corporate clients who are interested in leveraging for best results, who question the status quo and are constantly looking for ways to do things smarter; people who are willing to step out and lead from the front and bring the support to their own people to take them with them.
The aim is to have a branding that is easily recognized and presents an image of strength and energy.
We are not looking for a revamp of tried and tested professional consulting images, the design needs to be contemporary, and sleek and most of all professional – no cartoons or 'corny' representations. It can't be busy and must be easy to read.
The colour scheme is open, however we do want it on a white background. We naturally lean towards strong colours – black, silver, navy, burnt copper, red but don't want to limit you.
The logo will become our signature, and must be able to grow with us and go wherever we go as the business grows.
The logo will be used in all print – websites, stationery, business cards, professional advertising, promotional materials, electronic media (including DVDs etc)
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text: Korean Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - Universities with application pages that don't work Speak Korean Now! Korean Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Universities with application pages that don't work Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Job-related Discussion Forum View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message thebektionaryJoined: 11 May 2011 Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:37 pm Post subject: Universities with application pages that don't work What is with this? I've experienced this with three different unis advertising jobs on the job board. Some fixed them or changed them, but I'm still having a problem with Dongguk University's application page. I've tried opening it in both Chrome and Internet Explorer. In Chrome it's not even a link and doesn't open at all, and when I click it in Internet Explorer, it just goes to a blank white page. I email these schools to let them know that I'm having trouble with it and they never get back to me about it. If it's not working for me using two or three different browsers on two different computers (one PC and one mac), then I can't see how it is working for anyone else. It's frustrating when these schools say "won't consider applicants of application page is missing" yet we can't even access their application pages. Is anyone else experiencing this? Back to top YTMNDJoined: 16 Jan 2012Location: You're the man now dog!! Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:18 pm Post subject: How do you know to apply at the page to teach? I see a lot on the site for students to apply, but I don't see anything which indicates they are seeking teachers. I would talk with a person there. Back to top thebektionaryJoined: 11 May 2011 Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:11 am Post subject: This: http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=54957 Click the link and follow the instructions. I know that most Korean sites don't work in anything besides IE but I tried that and clicked the link. Still doesn't work. I emailed them, but I doubt they will get back to me because this happened with other universities as well and none of them got back to me. Shin Ansan University did fix their broken link after I emailed them, though, just never got back to me. I found out myself. Back to top artyomJoined: 28 Jul 2007 Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:47 am Post subject: I just tried and it worked for me. (Although not through CHROME). In IE, I clicked on the link and it warned me about pop-ups. So I clicked allow, and then had to click the link again. A new window opened up with a link to a .doc and I could download the application form. Perhaps pop-ups are disabled on your browser? Back to top YTMNDJoined: 16 Jan 2012Location: You're the man now dog!! Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 2:27 am Post subject: Also check your java settings. Works here. Back to top ttompatzJoined: 05 Sep 2005Location: Kwangju, South Korea Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 2:42 am Post subject: Often they won't work in IE 8 or 9. Sometimes they only work in IE6. They usually won't work in any other browser. . Back to top denverdeathJoined: 21 May 2005Location: Boo-sahn Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 5:13 am Post subject: i have ie8 on my computer and it worked for me after all the pop-up junk, same as artyom. there was almost nothing at all on the mozilla version of their site. if u get hired, tell 'em to get their computer guy to fix that. Back to top Swampfox10mmJoined: 24 Mar 2011 Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2012 10:56 pm Post subject: Complaining will not help They know. They like it that way. Our university still removed Win7 and slaps XP on brand new core I-5 machines. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Job-related Discussion Forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Forums:----------------FAQJob-related Discussion ForumGeneral Discussion ForumOff-Topic ForumTravel ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumBuy/Sell/Trade Forum You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Contact Dave's ESL Cafe Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe


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Last week, Lulu attended Book Expo America (BEA), the largest book convention in the nation, where attendees got the chance to meet the new face of publishing – you!
Doors opened bright and early the morning of the 24th to floods of authors, publishers, journalists, librarians, and businesses all clamoring to get the latest scoop on the publishing industry and Lulu didn't disappoint. With exciting new initiatives such as our Open Publishing APIs, Partner Program, and growing print network, Lulu has an affordable publishing solution for just about everyone – no matter if you're an author looking to become a publisher, or a publisher wanting to monetize your back catalogue.
We definitely stood out in our bright orange booth too, but what really stole the show were our "author-ego" cutouts (pictured). All three days of the show people lined up at our booth to have their photos taken behind their favorite author's body and we'd display them on our wall. They'd also be entered for a chance to win a new Mini 5303 laptop, courtesy of our partners at HP. I can't tell you how many times I heard the phrase: "My friend Blahbity Blah, told me I had to come see the Lulu booth. You've gotta take my picture!" And we were happy to oblige.
For those on the go, we also had mobile author-ego cards (pictured) that folks could use with their camera phones to encourage their friends to publish (or just make them look ridiculous). At Lulu, anyone is empowered to publish and sell their work to customers all over the world and our author-ego cards and cutouts really drove that point home – that and the fact that people love to get their photo taken.
We easily talked to about 2,000 attendees, but with the way boxes of author-ego cards, Lulu hats and tote-bags were flying off our tables, we definitely reached all 30,000+ attendees. Lulu CEO and Founder, Bob Young, also presented to convention attendees Monday, May 23rd on the future of publishing and the impact of eBooks and e-readers.
While eBooks were a hot topic among the BEA crowd this year, we were surprisingly asked about print-on-demand books even more. This boils down to what the new generation of authors and content owners really seems to want: options. And with Lulu's open-publishing model we're providing the freedom to creators that tons of options bring. At Lulu, you're free to publish and sell books immediately, electronically or in print. You pick the price. You pick the market. You pick the medium. You are the new face of publishing and you are in control.
Since 2002, Lulu has powered the knowledge-sharing economy by enabling creators in more than 225 countries and territories to publish over 2 million books. Lulu's industry-leading tools and global network of print facilities provide creators with the resources to succeed on their terms.


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There are two basic strategies when contemplating the menu at Revel, the popular new Danville gastropub opened by Esin and Curtis deCarion, the duo behind the acclaimed Esin Restaurant: Either pursue a drinks-driven evening punctuated with an assortment of nibbles, or focus on a hearty helping of tavern fare, such as burgers or fish and chips. Either way, one should save room for dessert.
We opted with the sip-and-graze approach. Revel offers a serious drink menu, along with wines by the glass, bottle and carafe, and its 50 choices are literally all over the map — from New Mexico sparklers to Alsatian rieslings. Its beer menu doesn't disappoint either, with offerings such as Houblon Chouffe on tap ($10) and Hitachino Nest White ($10).
We went for a couple of their signature cocktails, including the flowery "In Giverny," an admittedly girly cocktail with the essence of violet pastilles and the hues of a Monet garden ($11). On the other end of the spectrum, "The Belafonte" featured St. George's Terroir Gin, and the potent flavors of bay laurel, sage and eucalyptus made us feel like we were quite literally drinking in the sun-warmed East Bay hills ($12).
Cocktails in hand, we were tempted by the oysters (small, smooth Kumamotos, plump Miyagis, and savory Chapman Coves — served by the half-dozen; prices vary) but skipped to the bar bites, which include nibbles such as lemon and herb-marinated olives ($4.50) and deviled eggs ($7).
The deviled eggs were humble in appearance but were topped with a dash of white truffle oil and a sprinkling of minced bacon, the light crispiness of which was almost toastlike in texture.
This is luxury-meets-comfort food, a theme that was echoed throughout the menu. For example, Revel's chicken wings, instead of being slathered with Frank's Red Hot and served up with bottled blue cheese dressing, are coated with a cumin-tinged Calabrian chile glaze and served with a chunky, garlicky blue cheese aioli for dipping ($10 for eight).
Similarly, the fried oysters were a far cry from your jumble of wrinkled, cornmeal-dusted bivalves. Revel's Champagne-battered oysters ($11 for four) were puffy, golden and looked like a party in a half-shell. Garnished with microgreens and gribiche sauce (instead of ordinary tartar sauce), they were juicy, sweet and briny.
For those wanting to tuck into a proper dinner, Revel offers several larger plates, from posh tavern fare such as Sun Fed Farms flat iron steak with truffled fries and red wine butter ($22) to the more humble fish and chips, made from local cod ($19). Judging by the tables around us, a popular choice is the boneless short ribs with mascarpone polenta in a zinfandel sauce ($19).
We went with the cassoulet with duck confit, duck sausage and ham hocks ($19). It arrived steaming hot — as did most of our dishes (it's surprising how many restaurants just don't nail that) — in an earthenware dish reminiscent of a traditional casserole. We wondered why our server also brought us a steak knife, as we simply used our forks to dig into the tender and rich duck leg. As much as the confit was the center of the dish, we loved the meltingly tender Rancho Gordo heirloom beans.
Of all the items we tried, only the chopped salad ($10) was underwhelming. With romaine, Nicoise olives, slivers of pickled peppers and diced salami, it reminded us of a pizzeria salad. Not bad by any stretch, but we'd rather save our appetites for other things. Such as dessert.
Given Esin's notoriety for top-notch sweets, we had a hard time choosing from the five options. Ultimately, we settled on the moist, delicately flavored and pleasingly springy olive oil cake ($8.50), served with a modest dollop of strawberry rhubarb compote (we can be forgiven for wanting quite a bit more of that).
We also opted for the lokma ($8.50), Mediterranean beignets that arrived piping hot with a demitasse of gorgeous cinnamon and orange blossom honey syrup. The syrup was so fragrant it left a trail of perfume from the kitchen to our table, as our server wound her way through the crowded restaurant.
We had happily encamped ourselves on the heated front patio, but if you want to sit in the understated but sophisticated dining room, reservations are essential. The interior, with its modern lines and refined shades of charcoal, espresso, slate and taupe, is a fitting match for the upscale food. The vibe is convivial if not downright celebratory. Libations punctuated every tabletop, and the space was filled with happy chatter. With top-quality ingredients, solid execution and service that does not skip a beat, Revel is affable enough for everyday merrymaking but worthy enough to mark a special occasion.
Revel Kitchen & Bar
* * * ½
WHERE: 331 Hartz Ave., Danville
CONTACT: 925-208-1758, www.revelkitchenandbar.com
HOURS: 4-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday
CUISINE: New American
PRICES: $$ (small plates)
VEGETARIAN: Bar bites and small plates such as hummus and truffled fries
BEVERAGES: 50 wines, plus beers and cocktails
RESERVATIONS: Strongly recommended
NOISE LEVEL: Medium, loud when busy
PARKING: Lot and street parking
KIDS: Burgers, fish and chips
PLUSES: Top-notch ingredients, great service, lovely desserts
MINUSES: Make sure to reserve in advance
Five within five
Looking for other places to dine in Danville? Scan this code with your smartphone or go to www.mercurynews.com/restaurants for a peek at five other great places — casual, swanky and in between.


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Doctoral student selected as student session winner at APHA annual meeting
Omolola Adepoju, M.P.H., doctoral candidate at the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) School of Rural Public Health, has been selected as a winner for the Medical Care Student Session at the 2013 APHA Annual Meeting.
Adepoju will present her abstract, "Effects of diabetes self-management programs on time-to-hospitalization among patients with Type II diabetes: A survival analysis model," during the Medical Care Student Session, Nov. 5 in Boston. All awardees receive certificates and a cash award.
Adepoju's work, which is included in her doctoral dissertation, stems from a National Institutes of Health (NIH) P20 subproject, "Employing Diabetes Self-Management Models to Reduce Health Disparities in Texas." It was one of three NIH-funded projects under the "Program for Rural and Minority Health Disparities Research" P20 grant.
Drs. Jane Bolin (chair), Charles Phillips, Robert Ohsfeldt and Hongwei Zhao served on her doctoral committee. Members of the NIH P20 grant include Drs. Ken McLeroy (principal investigator), Bolin (co-PI), Samuel Forjuoh (co-PI), Marcia Ory and other researchers from the TAMHSC-School of Rural Public Health.
Interested in this topic? Contact us for more information.


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Find the best gala dinner venues in Brae available for hire for a charity event, a corporate dinner dance, or an awards ceremony. With a diverse range of event venues to hire catering for all party sizes and event types from prestigious venues, historical, contemporary event space, unique and unusual venues.
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© Copyright 2004-2019 - Company Registered in England & Wales - Company Number 3799991


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jake_d necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 214 diseños de 77 diseñadores freelance.
We are a brand new custom electronics integrator, providing what is also known as home automation. We're in need of a logo for use on our website, stationery, brochures and in our advertising.
Elcyon install home and office 'tech' systems, such as multi-room audio, home cinema, complete home networks and sub-systems which intelligently operate lighting, security and climate control.
We work with both residential and commercial clients.
We chose the name Elcyon because it's short, distinctive and it lacks meaning allowing us to create a strong brand from scratch.
We need amark which can be used with or without the text of the logo and can form thebasis of a strong brand.
We knowthis will be a challenge but we'd like the colors of our logo to be changeabledepending upon where it's used, the seasons, current fashions, our mood etc.!
Key valueswe want to associate with our company are:
- Simplicity– our systems are simple to operate, using graphical remote controls with anintuitive touch-screen interface.- Intelligence– the systems automatically perform the functions you require eg. turning offthe music in the living room when the TV is switched on, or turning up thelights in the cinema room when the screen is turned off.- Innovation– we are aware of the latest technologies and have the confidence to integratethem into our systems.- Aesthetics– we design our systems sympathetically to integrate with the existing themesof our clients' homes/offices. Our systems are discreet; we leave no boxes orwiring on show.We tend tolike designs with an element of depth to them; but most importantly, we'relooking for a dynamic logo which reflectsthe ethos of our company, our typical client base and the nature of our industry.
We willhappily provide regular feedback on the designs.
- Modern,clean, distinctive and dynamic
- Colorcombinations can be changed
- Equallyeffective in black and white
- Graphicalelement in addition to the text
- Vector-basedfile
- No clip art
- No photographs
- No TV screens
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Brooks Cole published Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity in 2011, as written by John C Kotz and Paul M Treichel. You can buy or rent Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity online from our website today and get an affordable deal you will be delighted with. If you love getting the cheapest prices, you can get Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity used copies that will have just that - the cheapest price you could want. Get previously owned copies today and save money when you buy your college textbooks from now on. Don't forget our buyback service either, which enables you to sell back your own copy. John Townsend is the author of 'Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity', published 2011 under ISBN 9780840048288 and ISBN 0840048289.[read more]
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Frolick is available as a stand-alone plugin.
The Frolick plugin adds the ability to integrate various social media features into your site. With support for Twitter, Facebook, and Google+, you integrate useful social media feature such as `Like` buttons, sharing, feeds, and more via shortcodes and widgets. Each social object may be customized and you can have multiple customized instances of each object.
The first step in adding Frolick social media features to your site is to add your account in the Frolick settings. Frolick allows you to create multiple accounts with unique settings. Each account has multiple different social media objects you can insert into your site.
Feature Overview
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The only thing tougher than coming up with visionary video game ideas? Putting together a team to see your vision to fruition. Here's how gaming legend Will Wright does it.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Wright explains that the true key to motivating your employees is to know what motivates them, and not just from a development standpoint. Everyone has something they are passionate about, and once you discover that you can use it to help relate on a much more personal level.
...this to me is one of the important points of working collaboratively with other people - trying to get a sense of what is the one thing that makes their eyes light up, they get excited about and they won't stop talking about. And if you can get a sense of what that is from somebody, and you can harness that, that's going to have more impact on how they perform their job, how they relate to you, how you can convey a vision to them in a way that they get excited about it.
Talking about Wright as a manager and not as a game designer provides us with an interesting look into how the man operates. I think we tend to think of big-name creators like Wright and Sid Mead as if they simply give birth to video games, rather than managing a talented team of developers focused on delivering a unified vision. Wright began programming games at a time when a huge team wasn't necessary, so it is intriguing - to me at least - to see how he has developed as a manager over the years.
I particularly like how he filters prospective employees by how they react to seemingly impossible ideas... those who get excited make the cut, while those who get stressed or depressed generally don't. In the interview Wright also speaks extensively about balancing the team, and how an extremely skilled programmer who can't work well with others might be worth less than a merely competent programmer that is truly a team player.
The key idea I took from the interview is the importance of knowing who you are working with on a level deeper than many traditional managers are willing to explore. It isn't merely about putting people with the correct skills in the correct positions... it's about knowing how said placement will affect the other people around them, and what they will bring to the table in the long run. In a way, it's much like a complicated puzzle game, in which some pieces explode and others strengthen the other pieces around them. It's the getting to know the pieces before dropping them that makes all the difference.
On Will Wright's Team, Would You Be a Solvent, or the Glue? [The New York Times]


text:
When they divided up the year, Demeter chose, for her own, the months when the days start getting longer. It was easier that way. It meant that she delivered her daughter to her ex-husband in the late, bright Montana summer and she could handle it then, most of the time, with a little pharmaceutical help. She couldn't handle giving her up in the dead of winter.
Hank could have fought for sole custody, since Demeter had a reputation for erratic behavior. But granting her half the year had been a gesture on his part: generosity as a sign of power. He would not have it said that he took a child from her mother. He was always more subtle than that.
Perry, their daughter, had been unexpected, the pregnancy a buoyant gift at a time when Demeter and Hank were like drowning people, tugging each other under. But the moment Demeter saw the pink thing in the nurse's arms, the tiny creature that had turned her inside out, she knew the baby wasn't going to save her marriage. It was only going to break her heart. They hadn't named her Persephone; that would have been unfair. They had named her Elizabeth, after Hank's mother, but Hank started calling her Perry Mason early on, for her steady infant gaze that would break down any witness, and it stuck.
At thirteen, Perry had the pert features and turned-up nose of a figure skater, although she wasn't one. She hadn't yet found the thing she might be very good at. Hank hoped it would be science: he wanted his daughter to be straightforward and rational. Demeter hoped it would be music: she wanted Perry to be darker and more complicated. At the dinner table, when they were still living in one house, Perry had looked from one to the other of them as if they came from the moon. Her strange parents. Only she was of the earth.
Hank had bought her an oversized pink nylon duffelbag, and Perry carried it back and forth between the two houses. He'd made more money after the divorce than he ever had before, with new income from oil leases, and he owned a big house on a hill now, with a new red truck outside.
Demeter parked, and Perry leaned over in the passenger seat and kissed her quickly on the cheek, eager to avoid any drama. "Bye, Mom," she said. "Love you." Then she lugged the duffel toward the house, her bare legs in blue shorts taking her blithely away.
It wasn't natural to give up your child every year. It wasn't right. Demeter knew that Hank could say the same thing, but she had no interest in being fair to Hank, and she had carried that child inside her body. She had fed her with her own blood, and then from heavy, unfamiliar breasts. She had held Perry when she was sick and vomiting, her hair damp with fever.
She watched her daughter twist her shoulders to get the wide bag through the front door, without a look back. The dark interior of the house engulfed her. The screen door slammed shut.
Demeter sat alone in the car. The tears shouldn't have surprised her, but they did. They came hot and choking. Her jaw shook. Her nose ran. She knew she should leave, and not embarrass Perry or give Hank anything to comment on, but she couldn't see to drive.
Finally Perry came back outside and leaned in through the car's open window. "Mom," she said.
Demeter fumbled for a tissue. "I'm sorry."
Perry got into the car and sat looking at her hands, with their chewed cuticles. "You chose this," she said.
Demeter wanted to say that she would have died if she had stayed with Hank, but she tried to be discreet in front of their daughter. "I know."
"And you picked the dates."
"I did. I'm all right, sweetie."
"You're not."
"No, really I am." She blew her nose decisively. "You can go inside."
Trouble clouded Perry's pretty face. "Mom."
Demeter didn't want to be doing this, to be taking this perfect child and putting the pain in. "I'm O.K. I just needed a minute. Don't watch too much TV, all right?"
"I won't."
"And no jet skis."
"He doesn't have a jet ski."
"No jet skis!" Demeter said. "They're death machines."
"All right."
"O.K.," Perry said. "Bye." She got out and waved. Those long legs carried her back into Hank's world, where she would do Hankish things. Water ski, even if there were no jet skis. Eat red meat every night, and too much sugar. She belonged to her father now.
As Demeter drove down the hill, away from Hank's house, she felt as if there were a cord attached to her viscera that was stretching, pulling. When she was young, she had liked to say that she would never have regrets. Her life was her life, her choices her choices, and she would stand by it all. But she did have a regret now. She wished she had never had a child.
She pulled the car over to the curb, startled by the thought. It was true. She couldn't wish her daughter away now, but if she had a time machine she would go back and erase the conception. Then there wouldn't be this agony, there wouldn't be the black times. She would have found other sources of love, and she wouldn't have this gnawing emptiness. One tiny erasure and everything would be different. Catastrophe avoided.
She pressed her hands against her sternum to stop the ache. She had always known that Perry was mostly Hank's. That cross-examining stare came straight from him. She had his logical mind and his quiet stubbornness. But that didn't make it less painful to give her up.
Finally she got herself home, parked beneath the big maple tree, and went inside her little house. It was dark and empty. The refrigerator hummed. She had no television—a fact that was eternally embarrassing to Perry—so she switched on the radio, to have some companionable sound. "StarDate" was on.
Hank had told her long ago that she had a voice for radio, but she had never pursued it. What she had was a campfire voice, mellow and clear at low volume. She had met Hank at a bonfire, where he played songs in her range on his guitar so they could harmonize. She was impossibly young then, with wheat-colored hair. She'd sat cross-legged on the cold ground and watched the embers burn, but she knew he was watching her, listening through the other voices for hers. When the fire died down, he'd wrapped his coat around her shoulders and she was his.
She opened the refrigerator. There was some leftover tabouli. A tub of yogurt. The non-homogenized milk that came in glass bottles from the dairy, with a thick band of cream to scoop off the top. Frozen pesto in the freezer. "I'm so tired of this food!" Perry had shouted at her once. "It's not real food! I will not eat millet!" Demeter closed the refrigerator to make the voice go away.
Hank would be grilling steaks tonight. Married, they had tempered each other, made compromises in the way they lived their lives. Apart, they had gone to opposite extremes. Perry said that joint custody with them was like jumping back and forth between a hot tub and a snowbank.
"Which is which?" Demeter had asked.
"You know what I mean," Perry had said. "You're just different."
But Hank would be the hot tub, of course. Which left Demeter the snowbank.
"Tonight the Perseid shower will be approaching its peak," the radio voice said, confiding and urbane. "You might see shooting stars coming from the direction of the constellation Perseus. This constellation was named for the Greek hero, and is located near the constellations of his wife, Andromeda, and her mother, Cassiop—"
Demeter switched the radio off. She would go for a swim. Clear her head. She stuffed her suit and cap and goggles into a canvas bag and left the front door unlocked. She locked it when Perry was home, mostly because of Perry's displeasure when she didn't, but there was no point now. It was a safe enough town.
She walked toward the city pool, past the café that had bought flower arrangements from her garden after the divorce, when she hadn't known how she was going to make money. She walked past a pawnshop where she'd taken jewelry, and the coffee shop that had to be a front for something, because it couldn't possibly have paid the rent with coffee all these years.
A woman with a little boy sat on a low planter. The boy might have been three, in a red-and-blue striped T-shirt. They had a worn air about them, and Demeter guessed that they were staying at the homeless shelter on the next block. The sight of them together, inseparable, the mother with her skinny arms around the child, squeezed Demeter's heart, and she wanted to tell the woman never to let him go. Instead, she looked down at the sidewalk until she was past.
Interesting clouds were forming over the mountains when she arrived at the pool. Some kind of weather coming. But she should still have time to swim. There were the bike racks. Inside the brick building, the chlorine smell. All the years of swimming lessons overlapped the present moment in her mind—Perry as a baby, a chubby toddler, a string bean of a nine-year-old on a pink bike.
Four-o'clock lap swim cost a dollar. When Demeter looked up from fumbling in her bag, she realized that she knew the dark-haired girl at the cash register. The girl was smiling, waiting for Demeter to notice. She wore a red lifeguard shirt and looked just like her father, who'd died when she was four. She had his gray eyes.
"Oh, my God, Annie," Demeter said. "You're so beautiful."
Annie blushed, pink coming to her cheeks. "Thanks."
"How's your mom?"
"She's great," Annie said. She put the dollar in the till. "You know her, she's indestructible."
Demeter nodded, staring at the girl, doing clumsy math. She must be eighteen. Demeter felt like she was a hundred. She felt Paleozoic.
"There might be lightning coming," Annie said. "I'd get your swim in quick."
"Right," Demeter said.
She went into the damp concrete locker room, feeling disoriented. Annie's father, Duncan, had been Hank's business partner. He'd been cheerful and competent, always ready to fix an engine or stop a fight: to make things right. Annie's mother, Kay, was slight and strong, like a pioneer woman, tempered steel where Demeter had often felt herself to be decadent and soft.
Duncan and Kay had been the best friends of her early marriage, and Demeter had loved them both in a way that felt sustaining, like sunshine. But those were the bad old days, and so she had slept with Duncan, as a matter of course. It was just an extension of her ordinary love. He had run his fingers through her hair, lifted her light body to his hips. When she'd started to get confused about it, the confusion was easier if she was stoned. That was the bad old days, summed up. It could be a kind of haiku:
I slept with my friend.
Then I got high.
Spring of '76.
Then, that June, Duncan and Hank had gone down with scuba gear to look for earthquake damage on a dam, and Duncan hadn't come up.
At first, Demeter thought Hank had killed him. What had been a dalliance, a distracting sexual guilt, had become a cataclysmic horror. Hank knew, and had taken revenge. The world was dark and vicious. But she soon realized that wasn't true. Hank knew nothing. When he'd pulled his wetsuit back on and found Duncan on the bottom of the lake, he was bewildered, grief-stricken, distraught.
Then she thought that Duncan might have killed himself, torn between two women. But she could picture him laughing at the idea, his handsome head thrown back, his gray eyes crinkled with laughter. Kill himself? Sleeping with her had been a happy thing. He had loved it. And he had loved his wife and their four-year-old daughter.
Demeter's therapist, Martine, said it was healthy to imagine that laughter, because only a true narcissist would believe she had such power, to drive someone to suicide. Martine had said it slowly, looking over her round tortoiseshell glasses with meaning, which made Demeter wince.
So the drowning had been an accident. Every investigation and inquiry said it was. Duncan's big heart had just stopped.
Next Demeter had blamed Hank for leaving Duncan to die alone, but not as much as he blamed himself. He paced and obsessed and rethought, and Demeter watched him. They were moving around the death like two satellites in separate orbits when they collided in the bedroom and Perry was conceived.
As soon as she knew she was pregnant, Demeter had stopped smoking pot. She started meeting the black-coated Hutterites in their truck to buy chickens and eggs. She bought vegetables at the farmers' market from the Hmong refugees, who coaxed green shoots from the ground so much earlier in the year than anyone else. She ordered milk from the dairy and made baked eggs and cream with Hmong chives. She didn't worry about getting fat—she was supposed to get fat. When Perry arrived, Hank was enraptured, and Demeter realized how much he must have wanted a child before. He had never pushed her, in her stoned and childfree days, but he had craved fatherhood. She just hadn't seen it.
She pulled her swimsuit on in the dank locker room, lost in time. The purple Lycra was a little stretched out and ratty, and she was glad Perry wasn't here to raise her eyebrows at it, to say, "Mom, you could've shaved your legs, at least." She pushed her streaky blond hair under a silicone cap and went outside.
The dark sky loomed closer, the color of a black plum, but people were still swimming. She recognized the slow, steady stroke of Ned Keller, who had to be in his nineties now. She hopped into the shallow end and pulled her goggles down over her eyes. Annie was in the lifeguard chair in a red tank suit, swinging a whistle on a lanyard.
Demeter ducked beneath the water and pushed off. It was her favorite moment of swimming, the passage from dry to wet, her skin shedding tiny bubbles of air as she kicked. It felt as if the world were washing off her. She was starting over, newborn. She had swum in high school in Texas and was proud of her stroke. It had always been balanced and consistent, even when she was not. She breathed on the left, took three strokes, breathed on the right.
At the deep end of the pool, she flip-turned and pushed off, still with some of the tingly feeling. She passed Ned Keller, his ancient arms pulling stubbornly along. He had swum in a triathlon with his son and grandson: the son biked and the grandson ran. Demeter wondered if Perry would have a daughter someday, and if they could do that.
She turned again, big air bubbles streaming over her face, and imagined what would happen if she breathed in. Had there been a moment when Duncan's lungs filled with water, when he still knew what was happening? Had he watched himself cross out of the habitable world? She took half an experimental breath and stood up coughing, choking, her bare feet finding the concrete bottom of the pool, the desire to live too strong.
A whistle pierced the air. She pulled off her goggles, breaking the suction, and saw Annie climbing down from the lifeguard chair. Demeter had been too obvious in her flirtation with drowning. She needed to tell Annie she was fine, but she had to get a good breath first.
"Everyone out of the water!" Annie called. "Everyone out!" She was looking up at the sky, not at Demeter. The clouds were black and roiling, spilling over themselves, low and heavy. How had the storm come in so fast? A lightning bolt cracked through the bruised darkness. "Now!" Annie called.
Demeter kicked to the edge. Ned Keller was climbing out, too, and she resisted the urge to offer him a hand. She wouldn't want people condescending to her when she was ninety. He swam every day. He could get himself out of the pool.
The lifeguards were pushing a long blanket roller on wheels out from the wall. The blankets were heavy blue insulated plastic, to keep the heat in the water at night. Rain began to splatter, and the girl pulling the first blanket ducked her pigtailed head. She wore a dry T-shirt and shorts.
"I'm already wet," Demeter said. "I'll take it." She tugged the corner of the blanket, dragging it along the shallow end as Annie and a tall boy pulled slack off the roller. The pigtailed girl ran inside the office and came out in a raincoat. The tall boy shouted instructions: now they had to slide the blanket down the pool so the next one could be pulled across. Demeter understood, and tugged her end toward deeper water, clinging to the reinforced hem. The blanket wanted to sink as it moved forward, scooping up water in the middle and creating a heavy puddle. She and the boy strained to keep it at the surface.
There was another crack of white light, and then the boom of thunder. The rain came down diagonally in the gusting wind, like someone throwing buckets. But for someone in a swimsuit and cap it hardly mattered. They got the blanket into position and ran back for another.
"Thanks for helping!" Annie shouted over the wind and rain.
Demeter nodded. Her towel was lumped on the pool deck, sopping wet. The rain seemed to be getting colder. She pulled the next blanket along the gutter.
There was another flash of lightning, and Annie looked up at the sky with an impatient, Duncan-like expression: Why are the gods foiling my plans? What is this perverse unhelpfulness? That was her father, through and through.
The last blanket was on and the rain was still coming. Demeter followed Annie into the lifeguard office, peeling the cap off her wet hair. The lap swimmers were gone. The lifeguards, two boys and two girls, towelled their heads and exclaimed about the storm.
"We have a coffeepot for hot chocolate," Annie said. "Somewhere."
"I'm all right," Demeter said, although she was shivering, covered in goose bumps.
"You're freezing," Annie said, pulling a dry towel off a shelf.
It was thick orange terry cloth with red suns, and Demeter wrapped it around her shoulders. She had held this girl on her hip at Duncan's funeral, out in an ancient cemetery, really just a field. They had played a tape of Annie talking to her father, the recorded voice tiny in the mountain air. Kay had explained that her daddy was going to help make the flowers grow, but what did a four-year-old understand? Annie must barely remember him now.
"Are you O.K.?" Annie asked. "Your lips are blue. You seem a little hypothermic."
"Oh, sweetheart, your dad," Demeter burst out, before she knew what she was saying. "We loved him so much."
Annie looked as if she'd been slapped. Not hurt, just startled. She glanced at the other guards, who were busy drying off. No one was listening. But it was clear that Annie would have been embarrassed if they had. It had been a day for embarrassing teen-agers.
"I'm sorry," Demeter said. "You're right, I got too cold. I'll go dry off."
In the empty locker room, she sat on one of the wooden benches along the wall and made herself breathe. Duncan's yellow dog, Blue, had circled the pine coffin in the back of the truck, whining. He couldn't find a place to lie down. She remembered thinking that she was like the dog. She would never find happiness or rest again. But that hadn't been true. People were more resilient than they thought.
The locker room smelled of disinfectant and wet socks. By these scarred benches, a tiny, trusting Perry had raised her arms so Demeter could pull a shirt off over her head. There was a low steel sink that sprayed a half circle of arcing warm water, and Perry and the other little girls had loved to sit in it until a lifeguard came in to chase them out. Demeter always let them climb back in again. She had never liked rules. Maybe that was part of the problem. Maybe if she hadn't chafed against every restriction, for so many years, she wouldn't have had to let her daughter go. But that was wishing to be someone else.
The rain rattled down on the skylights. Demeter would have kept Perry all the time if she could have wrested custody from Hank. She would have guarded her from his world of violent movies and roaring engines. But then Perry wouldn't have her father. She would be like Annie, bereft of half her inheritance. And she would resent Demeter for doing it, of course. So they were stuck with this harrowing division of the year.
Demeter changed into her dry clothes, wrapped the orange towel around her hair, and went back into the office. She was warmer now, although the air was growing colder. Annie introduced her to the others as "Mrs. Hayes."
"Please, no, that's my mother," she said. "Call me Demeter."
"Like the harvest goddess!" the taller boy said, showing off. He had a cockscomb of thick brown hair.
"Exactly," she said.
The shorter boy was ridiculously good-looking: blond, with cornflower-blue eyes. She wondered if they could tell that she'd been crying, with her red nose and swollen eyes, and guessed that she just looked like someone's mother, with goggle rings denting her face.
"Look!" the pigtailed girl said. "It's snowing!"
And it was. They all moved to the door. Thick white flakes fell from the sky.
"It's thundersnow!" the tall boy said.
"You're frickin' kidding me!" the other boy said. "It's August!"
The sky was lighter than it had been when it was raining, and they all stood and watched the world outside turn white. The snow fell surprisingly fast. It had snowed like this in July once, before Annie was born, when Demeter and Hank were hiking in Yellowstone with Duncan and Kay, the white drifts melting around the smoking sulfur pots.
"It's good we got the blankets on," Annie said.
"It's so weird!" the blond boy said.
Silence fell, the snow muffling all sound. They watched, transfixed. And finally the snow stopped, and the evening sun burned through the clouds. The white mantle on the blankets glowed.
The tall boy who knew his mythology and his meteorology went outside and made a snowball. He lofted it experimentally into the air, and it landed in the middle of the covered pool and stayed there, white on white.
"Race you across the blankets!" the blond boy shouted. He ran out onto the deck and then kept running across the blanket on the shallow end, legs pumping, until he was sucked down, halfway across the pool. "Halfway!" he cried, grinning. "Beat that!" He rolled toward the side, out of the sinkhole he'd made.
The little pigtailed girl ran out onto the next blanket, snow flying beneath her feet, until she was sucked down, too.
"Not even close!" the blond boy said.
"Sorry," Annie said, looking at Demeter with Duncan's amused gray eyes. "They're kind of immature."
"You try it, Mrs. Hayes!" the tall boy said. "Goddesses walk on water, right?"
"Real ones do," Demeter said.
"It's actually kind of fun," Annie said. "It helps if you keep your knees up high."
"And it helps if you're sixteen," Demeter said. But she knew she could do it. She could feel the way you needed to high-step across.
"Just try it!" the pigtailed girl said, hauling herself out of the pool.
Demeter looked at their sweet faces, shining from the effort and the rain, and she unwrapped the heavy orange towel from her hair. They cheered. "Do I get a handicap for being ancient?" she asked.
"You're not that old," the pigtailed girl said, shaking the water off in a little dance. "You should see my mom—she couldn't do it in a million years."
"Would Kay do it?" Demeter asked Annie.
Annie rolled her eyes. "No. Too sensible."
Demeter's next thought, which she didn't need to say out loud, was that Duncan would have done it in an instant. "This is crazy," she said. But it wasn't really crazy—that was the important thing. It wasn't like wishing you'd never had your own child.
The first blanket had floated up and straightened itself out. Demeter backed up to get a running start across the pool deck, then ran, knees high, out onto the blue expanse. For a few steps she was magically on the surface. She was sixteen and unfettered, untouched by grief. Nothing had consequence. Then the insulated plastic sucked at her heels. She took two more fighting steps as she sank into the warm water. She was laughing, tangled up and struggling to the side. There must be a stern warning printed on the blankets about not doing exactly this.
The kids were shouting and clapping. "That was amazing!" the pigtailed girl said.
Demeter looked. She'd got halfway across. It was amazing. She climbed out of the pool in her dripping clothes and wished Perry were here, to have seen that. But Perry would be mortified at the sight of her mother making a fool of herself, running and laughing with these kids. Not being a mom. So she was glad, again, that Perry wasn't here—and she wasn't glad. Six months to go, the long darkening fall. And already the sun was lower in the sky. Something between a laugh and a sob caught her by surprise, behind her rib cage, and she stifled it by crying, "Annie's turn!"
Annie backed up through the open office door to get a better running start, with Duncan's fierce, competitive look on her face. The light through the sodden air was molten gold. The kids were giddy with anticipation, with incipience. If only it were possible to freeze this moment, this perfect light, and stay here, and not tumble forward. But already the moment was gone. Annie began to run. ♦