text:
OKI introduces the MC800 series MFP
OKI is proud to introduce our new MC800 series colour multifunction devices (MFP). Featuring standard print, copy, colour/mono scanning with scan-to capabilities and fax functionality.
These compact and robust devices produce professional documents quickly and affordably, and is ideal for small to mid-sized workgroups. The MC800 series with its small footprint offers a unique value proposition that incorporates valuable features combined with low operating costs, and is part of OKI's exclusive Three Year On-site warranty.
These powerful, smart MFPs provide additional levels of business productivity through sXP1 (smart Extendable Platform), OKI's embedded open platform offering enhanced workflow integration and document management across the business. They are also compatible with mobile printing applications allowing you to print directly from your mobile device over wireless networks. In addition implementation of SENDYS Explorer LITE with OKI Smart Devices streamlines business processes and saves time. This solution will help companies of any size fulfil their document workflow needs, maximizing efficiencies from capture to distribution.
The MC800 Series is Google Cloud Print Ready, as well as being compatible with AirPrint by Apple, enabling remote printing from anywhere in the world, without having to connect directly to a printing device. It is also one of most environmentally conscious A3 colour MFP ranges on the market, it consolidates multiple features into one efficient device, helping your business reduce its energy consumption, impact on the environment, and ongoing costs.
"OKI understands the needs of today's evolving workplace and offers a broad portfolio of world-class printing solutions designed to increase productivity while reducing costs," said Neil Rom, Director of Printacom Technologies. "The introduction of our new MC800 Series addresses these needs by providing enhanced functionality in a compact and easy-to-use device.
Rom continued, "OKI delivers an award winning combination of leading-edge technology, quality, performance, reliability and value backed by industry leading service and support.
Highlights of the MC8X3 series include:
High volume printing and copying are handled comfortably with speeds of up to 35ppm and over 2 000 sheet maximum paper capacity from five separate trays. Two output bins ensure jobs can be sorted on the go and built in stapling across the range make document creation convenient for all users in the workgroup.
* New 7 inch colour touch panel;
* New OKI A3 LED Scanner;
* User Self Maintenance;
* Custom Job Macros and Home Screen Buttons;
* IC Card Ready;
* Standard convenience stapler;
* Job separator/2nd output bin standard; and
* Free bundled software – ABBYY / SENDYS.


text:
We are an independent, multi-platform game developer. Please check out our releases and upcoming projects for console, pc, mobile, and the web.
"Like" Diverge Creations
We now have an official Facebook page for Diverge, and yes we're still alive and well. We're hauling ass on our console/PC title and that's why we don't update this site much. That will change soon.... soon...
When we get to 100 "Likes" we're going to be releasing the first screenshot EVER to the public! Get Likin', kiddies!
Diverge Creations On Facebook
Posted by Caulder on December 27, 2011
Follow Caulder on Twitter
Yes it's trendy.
Yes it's lame.
I want you to follow me,
all the same.
Posted by Caulder on January 28, 2011
"Project Pork" Teaser Trailer
It's still too soon to talk much about our current project. But we can show you this much...
Posted by Caulder on December 4, 2010
Dragons and Comic Con
A dragon laid waste to a local sawmill.
Footage of the disaster
Also I'll be at the
San Diego Comic Con
this weekend. If you see me wandering around, leave me the hell alone. I'M BUSY TAKING IN THE SIGHTS.
Actually no. Say hi, I'm quite friendly in person.
Posted by Caulder on July 20, 2010
Newer ||
Hosting By
Voltaic Works

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Metal windows are unique in that they are equally at home in residential and commercial architecture, modern structures and old-world historic buildings. They have a timeless minimalist profile, derived from the strength of the frames, which affords narrow sight lines even in very large windows.
In the Rustic Modern house, we installed the Bonelli windows you see below. These are black anodized aluminum frames with satin nickel hardware. The durable anodized frames require no maintenance, look great, and are locally made to boot!
Hope's Steel Windows and Doors out of Jamestown, NY, Torrence Steel Window Company out of Torrance, CA, or Crittall Windows Ltd. You'll need to go through a local distributor.
For aluminum windows and doors, you can order directly from the manufacturer. Blomberg Window Systems out of Sacramento, CA has great shop drawings and customer service. Bonelli Windows and Doors made the lovely units you see on this post. They're out of South San Francisco. They don't do shop drawings, but offer very competitive pricing, have a library of standard details, and will build to alignments you submit. Although I haven't used them, I've heard nothing but good things about Fleetwood Windows and Doors in Corona, CA. They have been serving contractors and homeowners since 1962. What other manufacturers do you guys like? If you have a local vendor you love, send them a shout out!


text:
XtraFinder for Mac
Editors' Review
With Finder options typically located in several different menus, XtraFinder for Mac combines them all together for easier access. This free program could use some design help but would be beneficial for those who have to constantly switch between menus and programs in the Finder window.
After installing into the applications folder, XtraFinder for Mac automatically restarts the Finder window to apply any changes. Double clicking the program icon brings up its main menu, which lacks any graphics and has a cluttered look. The first menu contains options for tabs, windows, and shortcut keys. Users can also change the tab styles based on the appearance of other programs, like Google Chrome. The shortcuts can control tab options, including opening new ones and moving between previous menus. The features pane allows changes to things such as colors and text scheme, as well as toolbar changes. While the number of available modifications is impressive, few of them are easy to figure out based solely on the menu descriptions. Better labels or a user guide would have been a helpful addition. Fortunately, it was easy to turn options on and off, and the changes incorporated flawlessly into the Finder.
Despite its messy interface and lack of direction, XtraFinder brings some useful Mac modifications to the table. It's worth a download if you're willing to put up with some trial and error to get results.


text:
Widow admits supporting infamous Australian IS jihadi in Syria
The widow of a notorious Australian Islamic State militant pleaded guilty to supporting her husband's fighting in Syria.
Sydney-born jihadi Mohamed Elomar was killed in an airstrike in the IS stronghold of Raqqa in Syria in June.
His widow Fatima Elomar, 31, was stopped at Sydney Airport with her four children in May last year as she attempted to join her husband in Syria.
She was carrying cash, camouflage gear and medicine.
She pleaded guilty in the New South Wales state district court to one count of supporting foreign hostile acts in the month before she attempted to leave the country.
She was released on bail and will appear in court for sentencing on April 1. It was not immediately clear what prison sentence she could face.
Australian police announced in July last year that they had arrest warrants for Mohamed Elomar, 30, and his Sydney-born friend Khaled Sharrouf for terrorist offences. Both left Australia in 2013 for Syria.
The police announcement came a week after photographs were posted on a Twitter account linked to Sharrouf that showed Elomar smiling and holding the severed heads of two Syrian soldiers.
With Fatima Elomar stranded in Australia, her husband married Sharouff's 13-year-old daughter in Syria.
PA Media


text:
01 325i Gray Officers found a bmw 325i with four people in it had crashed into a tree preliminary reports say the the driver 19 year old dwight gray jr briefly left the a dui with a blood alcohol No not the family dog our old friend is a bmw 325i it is 23 years old the car is in that very gray area where it would cost more to fix it than it s worth and before we go too far let me According to high point jail records 19 year old dwight gregory gray was arrested on tuesday and charged with arriving officers found a bmw 325i sedan with four people inside that crashed.
01 325i Gray A very good condition g bmw 325i touring with a full md history or a very well cared for but lacking an mot metallic grey 78k mile h ford escort 1 3 ghia for 163 155 01 a g jaguar 3 6 Member best lap speed laps 1 1 its 03 83 kip vansteenburg sudbury ma 93 bmw 325i 1 42 768 88 977 52 2 2 its 79 1 48 756 84 078 49 20 7 ita 13 55 bowie gray burlington nc 93 mazda miata Kihei road kihei red honda civic july 2 1 05 a m vehicle break ins 100 block of halekuai street kihei four break ins blue nissan pathfinder gray honda accord june 21.
01 325i Gray It also had the powertrain from an e30 generation bmw 325i so it sported a 2 5 liter inline six this specific bmw z1 is also great looking it s black with grey interior and seems to be in This is almost 5 000 less than bmw s cheapest current car the 325i and qualifies it as the first bmw to carry sporting machine is available in four colors red white metallic gray and Also of interest a 27 000 mile x bmw 325i se in pearl blue sold for 163 16 300 against a 17 000 mile x 320d se with leather that sold for 163 17 700 a 01 vauxhall vx220 with 163 12k 163 14k.
Produced in this particular alpina c2 2 7 is finished in dolphin grey and features equipment including a limited slip differential long range fuel tank tinted glass black leather sport seats No not the family dog our old friend is a bmw 325i it is 23 years old the car is in that very gray area where it would cost more to fix it than it s worth and before we go too far let me.
It's possible to get or download caterpillar-wiring diagram from several websites. If you take a close look at the diagram you will observe the circuit includes the battery, relay, temperature sensor, wire, and a control, normally the engine control module. With an extensive collection of electronic symbols and components, it's been used among the most completed, easy and useful wiring diagram drawing program. 01 325i Gray. The wiring diagram on the opposite hand is particularly beneficial to an outside electrician. Sometimes wiring diagram may also refer to the architectural wiring program. The simplest approach to read a home wiring diagram is to begin at the source, or the major power supply. Basically, the home wiring diagram is simply utilized to reveal the DIYer where the wires are.
If you can't locate the information, get in touch with the manufacturer. The info in the diagram doesn't indicate a power or ground supply. The intention of the fuse is to safeguard the wiring and electrical components on its circuit. A typical watch's basic objective is to tell you the good time of day. When selecting the best type of computer cable to fulfill your requirements, it is very important to consider your upcoming technology plans.
Installing a tachometer on your Vehicles can assist in preventing critical repair problems, however. You might have a weak ground issue. The way the brain learns is a subject that still requires a good deal of study. How it learns can be associated by how it is able to create memories.
In a parallel circuit, each unit is directly linked to the power supply, so each system gets the exact voltage. There are 3 basic sorts of standard light switches. The circuit needs to be checked with a volt tester whatsoever points. 01 325i Gray. Each circuit displays a distinctive voltage condition. You are able to easily step up the voltage to the necessary level utilizing an inexpensive buck-boost transformer and steer clear of such issues. The voltage is the sum of electrical power produced by the battery. Be sure that the new fuse isn't blown, and carries the very same amperage.
Each fuse is going to have a suitable amp rating for those devices it's protecting. The wiring is merely a bit complicated. Our automotive wiring diagrams permit you to relish your new mobile electronics in place of spend countless hours attempting to work out which wires goes to which Ford part or component. Overall the wiring is really straight forward. There's a lot wiring that you've got to tie into your truck's wiring harness, but it's much easier to do than it seems. A ground wire offers short circuit protection and there's no neutral wire used. There's one particular wire leading from the distributor which may be used for the tachometer.
When you have just a single cable going into the box, you're at the close of the run, and you've got the simplest scenario possible. All trailer plugs and sockets are extremely easy to wire. The adapter has the essential crosslinks between the signals. Wiring a 7-pin plug on your truck can be a bit intimidating when you're looking at it from beyond the box.
The control box may have over three terminals. After you have the correct size box and have fed the cable to it, you're almost prepared to permit the wiring begin. Then there's also a fuse box that's for the body controls that is situated under the dash. 01 325i Gray. You will find that every circuit has to have a load and every load has to have a power side and a ground side. Make certain that the transformer nameplate power is enough to supply the load that you're connecting.
The bulb has to be in its socket. Your light can be wired to the receiver and don't require supply additional capacity to light as it can get power from receiver. In the event the brake lights aren't working, a police officer may block the vehicle and issue a warning to create the repair within a particular time limit. Even though you would still must power the relay with a power source or battery. Verify the power is off before trying to attach wires. In case it needs full capacity to begin, it won't operate in any way.
Replacing thermostat on your own without a Denver HVAC technician can be quite harrowing if you don't hook up the wiring correctly. After the plumbing was cut out, now you can get rid of the old pool pump. It's highly recommended to use a volt meter to make sure there is no voltage visiting the motor, sometimes breakers do not get the job done properly, also you might have turned off the incorrect breaker. Remote distance is left up to 500m. You may use a superior engine ground. The second, that's the most frequently encountered problem, is a weak ground in the computer system. Diagnosing an electrical short can be extremely tough and costly.


text:
Being the Best Party Guest
Being the Best Party Guest
It's that time of year for all-things-festive! And whether you're hosting or attending, here are some of my favorite tips on being the best party guest. Remember, you want your host and fellow party goers to remember you for GOOD things!
- DON'T show up right on time. Remember to give your host a little breathing room and ensure that you don't walk in on them doing frantic last minute preparations. Your host will have their hands full as it is with last-minute cleaning and cooking; they do not need you showing up before they are ready ... especially not with flowers that need a vase (see number 6). It should be come second nature to show up at least 15 minutes late. If you find yourself under that 15 minutes, whip around the corner, go get coffee just don't be "that guy." Few EXCEPTIONS: Dinner Parites - this is where it's rude to show up more than 15 minutes late. A party where you know the host or hostess very well and feel comfortable offering to help out, your punctuality (or even earliness) will probably be welcomed. Lastly, if you find that you're going to be late, text the host so they know when to expect vs., leaving everyone wondering where you are.
- DON'T spend the evening on your phone. Show that you're engaged and not distracted by every single Facebook post or text message. It's rude. EXCEPTION: Obviously if you have a baby sitter and need to check in, do so but do it discreetly. Otherwise, put your phone away just not on the dinner table. Larger parties are a bit more forgiving but at a dinner party, FORGET ABOUT IT.
- DON'T "ghost" without saying goodbye to the HOST. It's not necessary to make a big deal about leaving, saying by to everyone as you go, but bare minimum, find the host and tell them thank you and that you had a lovely time. This will keep your host from fielding "where did so-and-so go?" all night long.
- DON'T bring something that requires a lot of prep. Showing up with something that will require a ton of prep space or kitchen time is a definite no-no. Chances are your host has been preparing, cooking and cleaning all day and counter space in the kitchen is at a premium. If you're needing to chop things and having to ask your host for knives, bowls, etc., things can get chaotic.
- DON'T show up with a posse or a surprise guest. (This is a big one for me). Be thoughtful in that your host has planned out how much food to have on hand, based on how many people they know are coming. Unless the host encourages inviting others, don't. If you have a significant other and you know the host well, chances are they are expecting you to bring them. If you do want to bring someone last minute, ALWAYS ask the host. If they say yes, definitely refer to rule number 6. Personally thank your host for letting you bring your guest on such late notice.
- DO Bring a host/hostess gift - OR - Offer to bring something - I always find that the best thing and definitely least fussy gift is a bottle of wine or spirits. The exception would be if your host doesn't drink alcohol, in which case, you can always ask in advance if there's anything you can bring. If not, you can opt to bring a small bouquet of flowers or a nice candle for example. However, If you do bring flowers make sure they're already in a vase. You don't want your host having to scramble around for a vase when there are more important things they should be doing. I personally avoid flowers unless I know the host really well and know what kind he/she likes. Otherwise you take the risk of someone being allergic. Someone brought Irises once, I was sneezing all night!
Chances are good that your host will say you don't need to bring anything at all, just yourself, but offering anyway is standard party etiquette. It's also a way to help your hostess defray the cost of the party, which sometimes can run pretty high. And if you are asked to bring something, DO NOT take it home with you at the end of the night (unless your host specifically asks you to), this would be seen as poor taste.
- DO Offer to help when you can. If you're visiting with the host in the kitchen as he prepares the food, be specific when you offer to help: "I'd be happy to prep the salad or fill the water glasses." Even if your offer is refused, your gesture will be appreciated. At the end of the evening you can also offer to help with cleanup.
- DO talk to people you DON'T know - If you know most of the people at the party, these are all people you'll see again — Try going by yourself to get food or drink or simply mingling — this is a pretty natural time to chat up people you don't know. Talking to new people is also a HUGE favor to your host, who will have to worry less about guests who don't know a lot of people at the party.
- DO Thank your host twice. Always thank your hosts enthusiastically when you say your good-byes. A second thank you by phone or even text the day after the party is also a gracious gesture. If the party was formal or given in your honor, written thank you cards are in order. Though I will always say a written note is always appreciated—even after casual parties.
Sources: Jonathan Stiers, Apartment Therapy, Emily Post, Houzz, My Domain
Photo by Jonathan Stiers ©2015


text:
ASUS Z270 Maximus IX Extreme Preview
Introduction and Technical Specifications
Published: 24th March 2017 | Source: ASUS | Price: |
When we first looked at the middle options in the Maximus IX range we must confess that we had quite a few conversations over a pint about what exactly ASUS could do with the Extreme. Both the Maximus IX Code and the Maximus IX Formula came equipped with the ASUS Armor which we first saw back in the P67 days and has been refined ever since. Both had plenty of SATA slots, AURA lighting, M.2 support, blazing DDR4 speeds, front panel USB 3.1 and all the rest. In fact we struggled to work out what was missing from the Code and Formula, let alone how ASUS could justify calling the next model the Extreme, especially given how fast we could overclock the other Maximus IX models.
Today we get our answer, and it is, as answers so often are, desperately simple when you boil it down.
So what did ASUS do to justify this model being the Maximus IX Extreme, and perhaps that lofty price tag? In short, they threw everything they had at it, and quite a few things we didn't realise they had. It is, to borrow a phrase from Nigel Tufnel, a motherboard that goes up to eleven.
Technical Specifications
If you're here then you already know the plentiful features available from the Z270 chipset, so let's only focus on what is - to our knowledge at least - either unique to the Maximus IX Extreme or extremely rare to find elsewhere. Firstly we have support for the forthcoming Intel Optane technology. This promises to deliver the holy grail combination of blazing fast access times whilst not requiring you to give up your first born and an internal organ to achieve those access speeds on large storage mediums. Now this isn't the first time we've heard claims about a technology which unifies the processor, chipset and storage devices to give the best of both speed and capacity worlds, but with Intel behind it there is a serious chance it might be the first to do so successfully.
Next up you'll notice that the WiFi supports MU-MIMO. "So what?", we hear you say, "our AC WiFi is plenty fast enough". So it might be, but it is a single pipe delivering data across the myriad of wireless devices that we have in our homes. Sure the gap between each packet being sent is so small you'll struggle to notice, but it is only serving a single packet of data to a single device at a time. The MU-MIMO (Multiple User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology serves packets of data to all your devices continuously. So as our bandwidth becomes ever more saturated with 4K Netflix streaming whilst downloading a Sky boxset, checking Twitter and pwning n00bs in Overwatch, so eventually you're left waiting around. Not with MU-MIMO. It will be as revolutionary as Fibre internet.
The next element to be worthy of mention requires pictorial accompaniment, so click on to the next page.
Most Recent Comments
Nice looking MB but the waterblock looks like an old cassette tape
To anyone moaning about the pricing there's a reason why this cost more than a normal motherboard.....lolQuote
I dont understand this mindset where companys think people who support amd are cheapskates. I would happily throw £500 at this mb for my ryzen build if not more. And the limited scope of the asus line up when you compare it to others is a bit lack luster.
Yes we can say the components are bulletproof, but the lack of more then 1 m.2 connector, the fact the crossy doesnt even come with the wifi connected onto it out of the box, the fact they are having the worst problems right now just via ram screams they simply dont care.
To me what they are doing right now is tokenism and for the first time in over a decade im actually thinking of not going asus. And its a shame because this extreme motherboard is a thing of beauty and for anyone who is thinking of watercooling this is the go to board.
After the show they did on the 1st im really not impressed by asus right now, they shouted about future products and they only stated intel and nvidia stuff. The fact they arnt doing this board for am4 is shocking.
£250 is high enough in the grand scheme of things.
Im sure youll get something else AM4 wise but there is a limit and you have to think they know a bit more than you may, especially as I doubt youd buy a £600 Ryzen board even if they did make one...Quote


text:
Saturday, November 29, 2008
More Japan Blog Goodness
Check out my friend Joe's new vlog - pretty funny ranting, very accurate.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 10:11 AM 1 comments
Labels: japan
Friday, November 28, 2008
Belated happy Thanksgiving to ye all. I almost missed it, being that there was no turkey in sight.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 5:12 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Jukin' Episode 2
Here it is, Episode 2. I don't expect to keep releasing videos at this pace, but this is my trip to Nagasaki.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 9:25 AM 2 comments
Labels: japan, Jukin Japan
Monday, November 24, 2008
I know a lot of my topics have been kind of...off topic? But I've noticed a decline in comments. Are you still reading? Give me a sign.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 9:31 AM 8 comments
Creepy Crawlers
I just wanted to talk for a moment about something that freaks me out. I'm not a big fan of spiders, but I've gotten a little more used to them since I've been here, since I've had to live with some. There was this little white spider that lived outside my door for a couple months. I got used to seeing her everyday, but unfortunately she disappeared a couple weeks ago and I fear that she either reached the end of her naturally short lifespan, or she was eaten by a bird or something.
Anyway, there are still some spiders here that really give me the heebie-geebies, and I've seen them all over the place - in Nagasaki, in Hiroshima, and even at my school. These things have all the characteristics of a creepy spider - they're big, they're colorful, and they just hang out in their web and take you by surprise.
I got some decent pictures of them at Nagasaki when I was walking down a mountain road (long story, I'll explain in the next Jukin' episode). I believe I've identified them, and although I don't think they're a threat to people, they still freak me the hell out. Have a look:
This guy's called Nephila clavata or "joro-guma" in Japanese.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 4:33 AM 2 comments
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Well I'm back from Nagasaki. Was a very interesting trip, and I have a lot of pictures and footage. I hope to put another video together soon, but I am exhausted; we'll see if I'll have the energy today.
More soon!
Posted by Blue Shoe at 8:12 PM 2 comments
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Jukin' Japan
Ok, finally got my first vlog together. It's a little rough around the edges, but I expect to get better at this.
Have a look: Episode 1
Posted by Blue Shoe at 9:41 AM 0 comments
Labels: japan, Jukin Japan
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The economic crisis - how did it happen?
I think many people don't realize, but the explanation is simple enough for a 10-year old to understand. And the same 10-year old could explain why our "solution" (the bailout) is a nonsensical decision. Now if only Mr. Obama had a 10-year old on staff...
And that is not a partisan attack - Republican leaders such as McCain and Gingridge are supporting the bailout, as well...it's gonna be a long winter.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 9:17 PM 0 comments
Labels: politics
America: No King But Caesar
This article paints a grim picture, but it could be true that our nation "has no future" or has entered into "the beginning of the twilight." I don't mean to be overdramatic, but I really do despair when I stop to think about how many Catholics voted pro-choice, whether or not they realized the gravity of their decision. I guess I'll try not to think about it.
On the "bright side," if there is one, this.
And it is true that the Catholic Church has thrived under persecution. I'm not saying that we are (overtly) persecuted at the moment, but our values are challenged. It just remains to be seen how many true Catholics and "culture warriors," to borrow the expression from Bill O'Reilly, will stand up and defend what is right.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 8:58 PM 0 comments
Father General Major
A true American hero: Paratrooper Padre.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 12:27 AM 0 comments
Labels: Catholic
Getting out the garbage
Republican Sen. Ted Stevens was not reelected this cycle. Good...the GOP doesn't need guys like him, nor does the Senate.
Remember when I said I hope Obama governs like Clinton? Not that I recant, but...careful what you wish for, I guess.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 12:04 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Yay grammar!
Posted by Blue Shoe at 5:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: grammar
Pirates strike again.
+1 Pirates...again.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 5:24 PM 0 comments
Labels: pirates
Cult of Personality
Edit: 2:01 p.m. JPT - Updated the link so that it now is accompanied by a poll showing that the video was not just representative of random idiots, but of many voters.
Good to know how informed most people are...
So tell me again why high voter turnout is a good thing?
Posted by Blue Shoe at 5:18 PM 3 comments
Labels: politics
Monday, November 17, 2008
Mustache indeed. I love how the host (or interviewer; whoever he is) just rolls with it.
Not going to get into a religious/political commentary or debate on this one, but just wanted to point out that Chuck Norris has thrown another observational political roundhouse. I didn't realize he was so outspoken.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 9:06 AM 1 comments
Labels: amusing, Chuck Norris, politics, religion
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Some Pictures
Today I screwed around a bit at the park with my new camera. Some of the shots are kind of gaudy, but I'm still playing around. Anyway, comments and feedback are appreciated!
Posted by Blue Shoe at 10:11 AM 0 comments
Update 11/16/08
Sorry for not updating for a while. I've been busy, but the main excuse is that I've been relaxing and doing some preparation for my vlog (video blog).
I bought a new camera yesterday and it's very nice: Cannon IXY Digital 3000 IS. Also, my friend Steve and I were approached by an English-speaking Japanese Jehovah's Witness at a random little train station yesterday. He even had an English booklet to give us. What are the odds?
The bad news is that I checked my bank account yesterday for the first time since opening it, and I have about $900 less than I had calculated I should have by now. That's a downer...gonna have to tighten my belt this month, although it'll be a little tough considering I'm going to Nagasaki next week...oh well.
More to come this week.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 2:17 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
That's great - almost as catchy as the original(...?).
Posted by Blue Shoe at 5:52 PM 0 comments
More stupendous stories
Edit: 11:07 pm JST - Added "Yankin it in Europe" to my "Other Places to See" column.
I just wanted to share some more awesome writings 'a la my students.
Let me emphasize that I am not making fun of them at all. Mistakes are the cornerstone of language education. We learn from them and they can be pretty damn funny. I've been learning Japanese for over four years, and I still say a lot of stupid stuff. That said, this is one of the reasons I love teaching a lot of these kids - they often surprise me with their creativity and sense of humor.
This assignment was part of a lesson on ordering food in English. Students worked in pairs for about 10 minutes to come up with their own mini-skits. Here are some of the results:
Waiter (W): Hellow, welcome to Namizu's Restaurant. May I take your order?
Customer (C): Can I see a menu Please?
W: Sure
C: I'd like you Please.
W: Perdon?
C: I'd like you Please!
W: Yes!
C: Really?!
W: Yes, I love you.
C: Let's go to your house.
Soon hug forever... -end-
W: Hello! Welcome to Friend's. I take your order
C: Yes, can I have a steak please? But don't made in China.
W: Sure Would you like some thing to drink?
C: I'd like a cola please
But don't made in China
W: Anything else
C: No thank you that's it
W: Thank you?
W: Good morning, welcome to MacDonald. May I take your order?
C: Can I see a menu, please?
W: Sure
C: I'd like egg mcmuffin
W: Would you like something to drink?
C: I'd lik a cola, please
W: Anything else?
C: I'd like a smile, please.
W: Sure.
These kids have clearly mastered the art of comical writing. I especially love how the two who wrote #2 don't trust China. Questioning the quality/safety of Chinese goods is almost always funny. Unless you live in China.
I also had a pair adapt a skit to ordering gas, and I had another pair who wrote something similar to #3, except in their version after the customer orders a smile, the waiter gets pissed off and yells at the customer to leave.
Anyhow, that's about it for now.
If I can muster the free time soon, I plan on attempting some video blogs. I've been inspired by a friend of mine, so let me just take the time to plug Rob's video blog: Yankin' it in Europe: An American Guide to Studying Abroad. I should note that it pertains largely to studying in Europe, although I can vouch for the fact that some of his suggestions and observations do hold relevance in other regions (like Japan), as well. I would recommend checking it out - Rob has a good knack for combining humor with interesting facts and tidbits. And honestly, his videos and camera techniques are improving with each episode. If you're interested in London or international, uh, stuff - check it out.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 8:27 AM 3 comments
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Crazy tough jogger.
I can't imagine running a mile with an animal attached to my arm, then throwing it in the trunk and driving to the hospital.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 12:34 AM 1 comments
Labels: whoa
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Winners and Losers
I think it's safe to say that this past Tuesday produced some very clear winners and losers. There is celebration; there is bitterness. Time will tell if wounds will heal.
For the town of Obama in Japan, it is a happy time. The town of some 32,000 people hasn't been in the limelight like this since...well, ever. Nor will it likely ever be again. Ok, Obama - enjoy it. You've earned it, by coincidentally having the same name as the wildly popular US President-elect. Well done. And I'm sure Barrack will be quite pleased with that statue of him you're building.
Meanwhile, McCain Foods LTD. has, quite gracefully, let Obama, Japan enjoy this victory. In a
classy display of optimism, McCain recently released the following statement: "McCain Foods opens new Florenceville plant."
I'm sure it would have been nice to have your name attached to the highest office in the land, McCain, but now it's time to fall back
and lick your wounds. Yes, lick those tasty, tasty wounds.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 11:32 PM 3 comments
The change we don't need
Some people I've talked to don't know about the Freedom of Choice Act. It's a shame, because it's one reason Obama is so extreme. If more people had known about it -- nah, probably wouldn't have made a difference. Don't want to vote on one issue, right? Even if it means thousands upon thousands of more lives per year.
Here's some info:
Here is Barack promising to advance it:
"...I am absolutely convinced that culture wars are just so 90's. Their days are growing dark.It is time to turn the page. We want a new day, here in America. We're tired about arguing about the same old stuff."
Oohh - the pro-choice crowd is tired of arguing about abortion. So I guess they should just shut up the pro-lifers and move on, aye? Well, now they have the Presidency and Congress, so they will probably be able to do just that. Yay change.
Hopefully they'll be too focused on the economy to worry about this for a while...but I'm not holding my breath.
On a lighter note..look, a kitten!
So here's a short clip from this weekend. One activity took us to a local park, and there were lots of cats. This one little cat was jumping all around and when I sat down it hopped on me a couple times.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 8:41 AM 1 comments
What a champ
It happens all the time - I'm sitting there thinking that Chuck Norris couldn't be more awesome, and -BAM- I'm proven wrong.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 6:58 AM 2 comments
Labels: abortion, Catholic, Chuck Norris, politics, religion
The world hails its savior...
This is my favorite line:
"'Because Obama has won, we will have a change in the whole world. And for that I will slaughter a cockrel to celebrate with my family,'" said Joseph Otieno, a jubilant Kogelo resident."
Posted by Blue Shoe at 6:36 AM 0 comments
The people are choosing death
The Culture of death thrives, ironic as that statement is.
Notice that the measures limiting abortion are being voted down in Colorado and South Carolina, and I can't imagine the abortion limits proposition passing in California. Stem cell research on previously created embyros is passing in Michigan, as is physician-assisted suicide in Washington. In light of all that, I'm surprised that gay marriage and adoption didn't receive more support.
And the president is --- oh...
Looks like Obama is our new president, and the Democrats in the Senate and the House are cleaning up. God help us - four years of Obama and at least two years of a Democrat-controlled government. I pray that God will give them guidance and that Obama will be a good leader. Ironic for me to say this, but I hope Obama governs like Clinton.
My vague predictions for the next few years:
Things will pick up over the new few months and barring something like a terrorist attack, which is plausible, America's economy will improve again and stabilize. In anticipation of President Obama's coronation, investment will slow, as he has threatened to raise the capital gains tax.
The Democrats will soon be able to pass all sorts of entitlement legislation, however. Many folks will get a tax refund, although many of the middle class people I know will not qualify. Higher taxes for businesses will mean trouble for a lot of people. Faced with the prospect of lower profits, companies will have to make a decision that every freshman business student learns in college - raise prices or cut expenses. Either way, people lose. Higher prices will lead to inflation, and/or companies will cut costs by (how do you think?) laying people off. So now we have either inflation or unemployment.
Our deficit and our national debt will continue to grow, spurred on by unchecked spending and earmarks. Eventually, someone will realize that the country doesn't have enough money to provide for universal healthcare or extensive investment into alternative energy projects. But damnit, they'll do what they can with what tax money they can and will spend.
True to his word, Obama will allow the passage of the Freedom of Choice Act, abolishing all limitations on abortion and sweeping away years of progress. The number of abortions per year will probably come close to 2 million.
The international American "brand" will improve, but many leaders will lose some respect for us, and will push the envelope. Obama will be forced to make a decision that could bring us to war. If he chooses not to take shit, he will get a taste of what Bush went through.
And when things get bad, the Dems will do as they have always done: blame Bush. Things are only so bad because we have to clean up his mess, they'll say. Well, we'll see if the American people will buy that again next time.
Anyway, I really hope more positive events unfold, but I see these things in our future.
Addendum: Even if I disagree with him and the values and policies he stands for, Obama is our new president. He ran a frighteningly good campaign (good in terms of effectiveness), and I think even if we dislike the man, we should show some respect to the office. So congratulations to president-elect Obama. I hope he has a good time tonight and in the days to come, because he certainly has his work cut out for him.
Posted by Blue Shoe at 12:16 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Update 11/4
Man, is it November already?
This weekend was awesome - lot of good experiences, although I've fallen even further behind on sleep. I'll talk more about it another time, though...have to do some chores and monitor election stuff!
Posted by Blue Shoe at 4:08 AM 1 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
My father is a man who was born with a genius in his hands. From the first horizon of my memory he is there working, working with his hands, making, providing for his family, a tool in his hand.
By birthright and apprenticeship I am the beneficiary of some of his manual skill. Even my five-year-old grandson (now eighteen and a young man himself), Paul Samuel, noticed. He was once overheard remarking, "Papa can do anything if he puts his mind to it." This is a myth, but one I tried to preserve, partly to seem like my Dad. I desire this because I have so admired the skill of his hands. I have rarely seen a mechanical task that was beyond his mastery.
There hangs on my wall a shadow box containing an awl and three files, each fitted with its own smooth wooden handle; these are just a few inherited tools that my mother's carpenter father used in his trade. The items, now certified antiques, positively glow with years of use and the polish of human hands, mostly from my grandfather's hands. I hold these tools in the same regard as those I saw when I visited, as an adult, an exhibit of the treasures of Rameses. I was most deeply moved not by the golden and onyx statuary or the enigmatic hieroglyphics but rather by the tools that Rameses' master builder used to layout the mighty pharaoh's monuments. Perhaps I value tools inordinately, but I do treasure the few relics of my ancestors that I own; indeed, I cherish other tools also. In my toolbox, I keep a folding rule my Dad bought for me when I went to work one summer at the planner mill, and a claw hammer. I have not used these items for decades. Still I keep such tools at the ready. You never know when you will need them again. I am reluctant to let go of a single one of them even when it has been supplanted by a new gadget.
I am obliged to all such tools I have ever owned and to everyone who ever taught me to use them. I love tools. I admire the sheen of a well-made, hand-polished implement. Whenever I hold a worn and well-used tool I think on the hands that have held it before me. And I think of the tools that made the object I hold. In imagination I see the implements that made this tool, and those before it, generation upon generation, back in ranks arrayed in time, and men and women laboring with intermediate tools earnestly, skillfully to make children and grandchildren tools. At the far end of the genealogy of implements I see a single person fabricating the first of its line with just his hands. Thus, in the beginning and at the end the human hand is the essential tool that accounts for all our technology.
I touch, in memory, my father's hand; it is large. It is calloused but gentle as it guides, by his touch, the handsaw I grip in mine. He taught by touch the skillful way of tools, their sense of straight line and plumb, their subtle feel of manliness. Below him as a youth holding the ladder, I look up and watch him nailing pine paneling onto rafters of our church. I bend beside him to screed three yards of concrete poured for a new front porch that replaces the oft repaired and always rotting board one at our house in the swamp. I sit beside him under the oak tree at the end of the drive and occasionally spell him as we grind the valves of the engine of our green Chevrolet station wagon readying it for the Odyssey to a new home. I watch as he goes to work every weekday morning before four, often frying an extra egg for me before he goes off into the predawn night. I remember earlier sitting at the small bridge at end of the field behind our apartment in Birdville that was the limit of my permitted range; I am waiting for his return. From where I sit I can see him at the crest of the viaduct over the GM&O tracks at the north gate of Brookley Field; I know it is he even before I can distinguish his face. His walk is distinctive, a rolling gait he learned early to compensate for his boyhood polio lameness. Yet he is like every other twill-clad mechanic walking home after the shift, smelling of rose-colored hydraulic fluid and volatile degreasing solvent, but he is also special. He is my father. I learned that he would go to work for us each day, and that he could be counted on to return again when the shift was done. He was faithful, but not perfect.
He was stubborn and often verbally incoherent. Blessed with a great native intelligence, he was also cursed with an impatience with formal education and left off schooling at the eight grade. His language was sometimes grammatically flawed and occasionally tangled and difficult to understand. Mechanically logical, with the discipline to trace the intricacies of complicated gear trains or hydraulic systems, he, nevertheless, sometimes reached preposterously illogical conclusions regarding other areas to which he would tenaciously cling. For example, he somehow concluded with the assurance of a teetotaler that the bubbles in spirits were the principal cause of intoxication, probably we guessed since both beer and champagne were carbonated. Counter arguments pointing out the inebriation that could result from flat beer or the sobriety of carbonated soda pop were ignored. He was given to skillful and often—but not always—accurate speculation. Lew would state as fact a conjecture or an untested hypothesis. Somehow stating it would make it fact.
There were also others who handed me tools as well as Dad. Pa Moates, my mother's father, showed me how a master craftsman works when he let me help him build a "back porch" addition onto the back of our small house. I was big enough to hold the boards as he sawed them with a sharp handsaw; it might have been the same one that he had used for twenty years, the very same one that he had used to help build the Pentagon. I saw him use a builder's square and a compound triangle and a stubby carpenter's pencil to mark the boards that he sawed precisely and effortlessly and with a fluid grace that I only latter again recognized at the ballet. I learned how a craftsman builds: deliberately, with all his skill and with attention, neither rushing nor dallying, without hesitation or indecision. Experience shows itself in skill. Despite his shaking hands Pa's walls were plumb and his cuts arrow straight. I learned lessons in life as well as wood from these men at work. Yet some lessons I taught myself. The reality of dust explosions was one. We sanded the pine wood floor of a later addition using a commercial grade floor finisher. My job was to take the bag out to the small fire in the yard and put the dust on to burn with the other trash. I poured the wood dust on the fire without incident until I decided to be thorough and shake the empty bag. In a split second a wall of fire shot up twenty feet into the evening sky devouring the millions of isolated, aerated, floating dust motes. I jumped back at the roar that lasted only a heartbeat, the one that had skipped in my chest. Only my eyebrows and arm hair were singed. No real harm done, but some lessons must come the hard way, I suppose. Still it is better to learn from another's schooling than to pay the tuition yourself.
I learned of other tools that will not fit in my red steel case. How a man relates to family, immediate and extended. Pa and Ma Moates, his in-laws, a term Lew never used, were always welcome at our house and at our table. Once we were eating hamburgers when Pa began to salt his meat, showering the patty with seasoning. Dad watched will eyes that grew larger by the second as Pa did not stop but continued to pickle sandwich.
In a fit of concern, Lew shouted out impetuously, "Whoa!"
Pa stopped, his palsied hands still shaping, looked at my father and replied slowly, "I didn't know y'all were a-rationin' the salt." After a few seconds he chuckled and then my Dad joined in, red faced. His sons took note of the jocular respect between the men, two users of tools. His sons and daughter saw too the tender way he held my mother's arm and carried her "pocketbook" when they walked a distance.
When Mother grew ill with lung problems in her seventies, he learned new tools, ones with which to tend a house and keep it free of dust. Her special diet he learned to prepare with kitchen tools and affection. He learned the tools of home health care, of oxygen and inhalation therapy. Ultimately she died; too soon to suit any of us. Then he picked up his old tools again and began to renovate his church. Many a middle-aged man or youth this octogenarian handyman wore out in a long day's work. Dry wall, electrical, tile and plumbing; carpentry and masonry he undertook with glee. Nothing seemed to lie beyond him when he put his mind to it. Except he had to slow down as he slid closer to ninety; he only worked half days now and never alone or far up the ladder.
I too am cautious of ladders, since that day I fell and nearly broke off my right foot. Now I often walk with a limp as he does, but mostly on tiring days when I stand too much or on days before a change in the weather. I now have a weather leg with a barometer limp. And in many other ways to my horror and my delight I have become more like my father than I thought possible.
Lew Matteson gave me his last name, and much more. While I have hung none of his tools on my wall, because they are still in his service, I cannot say that I have no tools bequeathed from him. He has handed down to me more than his name. Indeed, he has given very fine and many tools to me, tools that I will always treasure, tools I will use the rest of my life.


text:
1921 Joseph Alvin Bagwell
1922 Emma Jewell Brown
1923 Charles Brown
1925 Lillian Lucile Wood
1927 William Grady Hays
1927 Frances Rudeseal
1927 Carl Brown
1927 William Glynn Wood
1927 Alfred Columbus Bagwell, Jr
1928 Emily Ann Holcombe
1929 James Henry Brown
1929 Imogene Wood
1921 Marvin married Jewel
1924 William married Lorina
1926 Clelen married Sue
|1920 U.S. Women Get Vote The 19th Amendment grants American women the right to vote. 1921 Women Swoon for star, Rudolph Valentino gains immortality as sex symbol in 'The Sheik' 1923 New Dance Sweeps Across Nation, Young americans throw themselves into the latest dance, the Charleston 1927 Lindbergh Crosses Atlantic Daring young American Charles Lindbergh becomes the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic. When he lands in France, he becomes a hero of the age. 1928 Mickey Debuts, Walt disney introduces Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon with sound.


text:
Reckoning Home
by Shannon Cerny
Sometimes something so big happens that you can't really understand it all at once.
Yet you must move forward, go through the motions – life is not optional. The sun rises and sets, rises and sets, with or without your head in the game. And that is where you find me here.
After Hurricane Sandy, they said many of the seaside homes looked normal but that the water had come with fury, unforgiving and knocked the houses off of their foundations. They were untethered and uninhabitable. And there are days in which I am squarely both.
My mother died in March – she was the last piece of my original family.
My last key to unlock the past, last string tied to a father and sister I didn't know. There have been many times when my life was overshadowed by death. In fact I was oddly familiar with it as a child with small glimpses into early moments at a funeral or visiting family at the cemetery.
But she was different, my mom, it was complicated as things are with daughters and mothers, women who are family.
For a long time we were not close and yet growing up I wanted to be her. She was adventurous and bright and sharp and provocative – making homemade chop suey when most of my friends didn't know what that was and working in an advertising agency before the idea of a professional working mother was thinkable. She would take me to business lunches at the Drake and I knew my mom was special…but I also knew in those fleetingly glamorous moments that she was fragile and broken. A glimpse of things to come, foreshadowing our future fragile relationship and my broken pieces.
Growing up the child of alcoholics… my fingers are heavy, hesitant to type more.
Growing up the child of alcoholics can make you, well, of course an alcoholic or addict or soapbox preacher… but I am a pleaser, a worst case scenario maestro, a believer, and a fool.
There were many times I would not talk to my mother, avoiding calls, her kiss because I was no longer mystified, I was hurt and sad… and fighting my own battles.
She was not allowed to call after 5pm – she would be drunk and I made it clear I wanted none of that. She called on my birthday and I did not answer, left a voicemail that I did not want. And yet now in the indefinite silence that is my only piece of her voice… and I listen to it often and cry.
In the end, she had given up drinking and slowly awoke to be the mother I always needed and wanted before slipping away. We made our version of peace, although she didn't really remember the worst parts and I wish I could forget them, so together we let them go as best we could.
A perfectly human ending to an imperfect, authentic mother daughter love story. And I miss her every day.
So I am here, at the end of her ending and the beginning of my own refection, reengagement, my chance to try again. I don't have answers but I know that hurt and anger is an anchor that will pull you away from what matters.
Love and forgiveness are the two most powerful things you can ever give and the best gift you can ever get. Being authentically you – even if and especially if that isn't pretty or perfectly put together is the only way you will have real, meaningful human connections… and you must be patient and forgive imperfection.
What if everyone is just doing the best that they can?
So I will start there. Sad, forgiving, forgiven, and hopeful.


text:
Pepe's Cafe
806 Caroline St. (William St.) Send to Phone
305-294-7192 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
OpenBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
- Dress code: Casual
- Full bar
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor dining
* Click here for rating key
Pepe's Cafe Restaurant Review: Opened as an "eating house" in 1909, Pepe's maintains an original, nondescript façade with a white picket fence hiding the patio bar and dining area, except for the cutout peepholes. In keeping with a tradition of doing things the old-fashioned way, Pepe's shucks its own oysters, cuts steaks to order, and makes everything it can (granola, biscuits, soups, pies and desserts) from scratch, as well as squeezing all its citrus juices. Local seafood arrives fresh every day, and evening specials include fish served at least four different ways. Load up on breakfast before a day on the water (we like the eggs Benedict), kick back in the shade of the patio for a leisurely lunch of barbecue pulled pork or a fish sandwich, and be sure to arrive for dinner early to leave time for a lime juice margarita or grapefruit juice Greyhound. As much museum inside as restaurant, the dining room is worth a peek. The collectibles and maritime memorabilia reveal but part of the long, salty tale these walls could tell, if they could only speak.
GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Awards honor America's best chefs, as well as promising newcomers and a top restaurateur.


text:
Yesterday, I was still not in the mood of eating something heavy. I kinda lost my appetite these last few days. I can't really eat. So, I was spoiling myself by went to starbucks for lunch.
I had double decker sandwich and venti cafe latte from Starbucks as my lunch. I'm stuffed, but only somewhat satisfied.
If you asked me, is there food I don't like? My answer would definetely…. RAW TOMATO!
I just can't eat raw tomato and their other family members. I mean, I love pasta…and I do eat tomato cos I'm aware that they are good for the body. But, only if they're cooked and sort invisible to my naked eye. I won't eat them when they're raw and chopped or sliced in large bits….
So, I carefully handpicked the tomato from my sandwich (if not obsessively) and put them aside.
Eventhough I managed to get rid off most of the tomato, but apparently there was one small slice hid inside the lettuce. I couldn't do nothing but cringe when I accidentally bit that evil and sneaky one….


text:
What is Creative Aging?
"Creative Aging" is the practice of engaging older adults in participatory arts programs. The goal is to provide opportunity for meaningful creative expression through visual, literary and performing arts workshops. Click here for examples and more information.
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
What Is Culture Change?
The Pioneer Network writes, "Culture change supports the creation of both long and short-term living environments as well as home and community-based settings where both older adults and their care partners are able to express choice and practice self-determination in meaningful ways at every level of daily life." Click here for more information.
How is Alzheimer's related to Dementia?
You can think of dementia as the umbrella term. There are many types of dementia, Alzheimer's is one type of dementia. Click here for more information.
What is Person Centered Care?
Person-centered care is a way of thinking and doing things that sees the people using health and social services as equal partners in planning, developing and monitoring care to make sure it meets their needs. Click here for more information.


text:
In these weeks leading up to and beyond Easter, John is our guide as we follow his Gospel and hear how he tells the story of Jesus' passion and death. What Jesus did changes everything for us. Because "it is finished" we have only to receive and respond.
This Friday at 10am, Bishop Mouneer will be ordaining Rev Chris Chorlton, and Chris's Dad will be preaching as we celebrate. This weekend is the one when we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and the crowds who paved his way with palm branches. On Friday and Sunday, John 12:12-16 shows how Your King is coming.
And then we follow Jesus, all the way to the cross.
Each day, we'll meet to pray at 9am. On Thursday, from 5.30-6.30pm, we'll meet around the cross to hear The time has come.
Join us if you can and share the most significant journey of all time.


text:
Welcome! This blog is a small place, where you can see and read about my beading, crocheting and knitting – that, I like to do in my free time. I'd like to know what you think about my creations, so feel free to write comments. Enjoy visiting my blog!
Friday, May 7, 2010
New and big
My new project is finished. It's a necklace in embroidery technique.
And the necklace is big; bigger, than everything, I've made before.
So it's a little step forward for me.
Now I only need to take photos of my new work, so I can show it here. Until that – two photos of the components: two small parts and the backside of the central part.
2 comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Join a Sky Dance Air Safaris for a bucket list adventure.
The Australian landscape is amazing but a long way from anywhere if you intend to drive or have limited time available. Sky Dance Air Safaris take the driving time out of your adventure and allow you a seldom seen air view of Australia's wonders. All tours focus on the wonders of the Australian landscape and insights into the Australian outback culture, history and people. Tours are all inclusive of meals, accommodation and transport. Sky Dance Air Safaris tour groups are small so we can give you all personalised service.


text:
Tips on Turning Your Layoff Into the Good Life*
By Scott Indrisek for Asylum.com
To paraphrase Bob Dylan: you don't need a newspaper to know which way the layoffs are blowing. With the unemployment rate at a nearly OMG 10 percent, it may only be a matter of time before your boss asks if you can "have a little chat" late on a Friday afternoon. Then again, if you know what you're going to do when the ax comes down, you don't have to worry.
We asked two experts for their sage wisdom on the topic of life-after-corporate-work. Ernie Zelinsky -- despite being a self-admitted bad writer -- is the bestselling author of "The Joy Of Not Working." Barbara Winter is an author and advice guru for those seeking a "joyfully jobless life." Through their advice and some other solid layoff tips we tracked down, you can turn layoff lemons into post-work lemonade.
After the jump, check out suggestions for making the most of your mandatory time off.


text:
2012 Publications
Creating Keepsakes
Football Fans - Sept/Oct
Ransom Notes Journaling Solutions Free Download - Sept/Oct
My 3 Sons - May/June
Family Journaling Solutions Free Downloads - May/June
50,000 Facebook Fan Download Freebie
BHG Scrapbooks Etc.
She's a Keeper - October
15 @ Fifteen - October
2011 Publications
Creating Keepsakes
Bird Parade - March/April
Soccer Champs - March/April
Family Union - March/April
Pirate Booty - October
The Gift of You - November/December
Creating Keepsakes Special Issues
Flower Boxes - Creative Spaces Bookazine
Back 2 School - Tips and Tricks Flower Issue
Red White and Blue Boys - Summer Travel Special Issue
One Amazing Day - Summer Travel Special Issue
Bay Days - Budget Special Issue
Well Dressed - Sewing Notions Special Issue
The Boy Who Loved Baseball - Simple Scapbooks Special Issue
BHG Scrapbooks Etc.
Crossing the Line - October
Build and Dream - August
Time with Dad - June
GoGos Crazy Bones - June
Pool Boy - June
Teenager – April
Scrapbook and Cards Today
Center of the Field - Fall Issue
Scrapbook and Cards Today
Center of the Field - Fall Issue
Scrapbook Trends
Growing Up - February
Scrapbook Trends Cricut Magazine
Best Bath Buds - Issue 1
Party People - Issue 1
Disney Day 1 - Issue 1
Memory Makers Books
Boatload of Fun - Big Book of Scrapbook Ideas
His Backup - Big Book of Scrapbook Ideas
He is my Dad - Big Book of Scrapbook Ideas
July 4th Friends - Big Book of Scrapbook Ideas
Creating Keepsakes
Polar Express - November/December
Apple Picking - October
Craft Day - September
Teacher Lunchboxes - September
Real Men - September
Dedication - September Online
Summer 2009 - July/August
Sweet Summer - July/August
Lazy Days - July/August
Going All Out - May/June
Bowling - May/June
Ballgame - March/April
Box Boy - February
Mr. Monopoly - January
Creating Keepsakes Special Issues
Beauty - Everyday Book
Bee Bouncers - Everyday Book
Day out with Dad - Everyday Book
If Frank Rules the World - Everyday Book
Beauty - Everyday Book
Bee Bouncers - Everyday Book
Day out with Dad - Everyday Book
If Frank Rules the World - Everyday Book
The Birthday Boy - 101+ Creative Ways to use your Scrapbook Supplies
Rockstar - 101+ Creative Ways to use your Scrapbook Supplies
Summer Fun - Tips and Tricks
You Make Me Smile - Tips and Tricks
Summer 2009 Mini - Fast and Fresh Scrapbooks
Remember - Scrapbooking the Lives of Those with Memory Loss
Special Bond - Scrapbooking the Lives of Those with Memory Loss
BHG Scrapbooks Etc.
I Just Call Him Dad - December
First Day - October
Are You Ready - October
One Goal - August
Ready to Ride - August
Scrapbook and Cards Today
On Their Way - Fall 2010
Scrapbook Trends
Friday Night Lights - September
Blue Skies - May
Memory Makers Books
Pirate Pool Party - Remember This - Fresh Ideas to Scrapbook the Year
March Blizzard - Remember This - Fresh Ideas to Scrapbook the Year
2009 Publications
Creating Keepsakes
Creating Keepsakes
Thanksgiving - November
Halloween Fair - October
Attitude - April
Bike Wash - February
All Star Season – February
Creating Keepsakes Special Issues
Dreams - Super Fast Pages with 4x6 Photos
Share - Super Fast Pages with 4x6 Photos
Too Cute - Super Fast Pages with 4x6 Photos
Soccer Champ - Super Fast Pages with 4x6 Photos
Uniquely You - Easier Than Ever 2
BHG Scrapbooks Etc.
Happy Boy - October
Swim - August
Yellow Belt - February
Memory Makers Magazine
Trick or Treat - September/October
Orange Oreos - July/August
Grade 8 - July/August
Pre K - July/August
Simple Scrapbooks
Summer 08 Mini Album - May/June
Scrapbook Trends
Goofy Goggles - November
This Boy - January
Scrapbook Trends Mini Albums III
I Love My Guys Clear Album
Scrapbooking.com Magazine
Swim - July
Brave Little Boy - July
2008 Publications
Creating Keepsakes
Creating Keepsakes
Waiting for that Bus - September
Darling Dog - June
BHG Scrapbooks Etc
Puppy - July
Giftmaker Magazine
Welcome Neighbor Tin - February
2007 Publications
Memory Makers Magazine
Memory Makers Magazine
Listen - June
Scrapbook Trends
Lucky #13 - April
Leisure Arts Publications
Doodling for Papercrafters
Blue Media Publications
Scrapbooking: Styles Defined
No Regrets


text:
To encourage a sense of belonging and a collective atmosphere dedicated to learning, we ask parents to provide clothes that comply with our school dress code:
P.E. kit
Correct PE kit will be brought at the start of a half term and left in the cloakroom on the child's peg in a named draw-string bag.
· Pupils may wear:
o A watch – preferably analogue, rather than digital.
o Fitness trackers.
o Single stud earrings - at your own risk (however, we would prefer no earrings for safety reasons).
· Pupils may not wear or have:
o Hair colours.
o Lines and patterns in their hair.
o Jewellery.
o Smart Watches.
· What happens is child has incorrect school uniform:
· We will let you know in-person or via Schoop.
· We will remind your child to wear the correct uniform and what this looks like.
· Items, such as jewellery and inappropriate accessories, will be placed in a safe place and taken home at the end of the day.
· If the child continues to wear inappropriate uniform we will invite parents to meet us to discuss the issue.
School uniform with the school logo can be ordered from the office.
School uniform Orders (A Pricing Guide).
All clothes and equipment should be marked clearly with your child's name.
Parents & Carers > Information > General Information >


text: The Cris Vida "natural" mineral water processing and bottling plant was located on the edge of San Marcos, Peru. Owner Eduardo had already built this facility and been selling large bottles of water to a few "corporate" customers. However, he told his visitors that TechnoServe Peru had taught him how to greatly improve his business and production skills which had increased his profits. He reinvested his new gains in upgrading his plant, purchasing new equipment, and extending his product line. One of the new machines extruded small plastic bottles for new retail customers. Eduardo also was dreaming of eventually adding his own cola brand to compete with the famous Peruvian Inca Cola!


text:
Author: John Maxwell
Genre: non-fiction
My Rating: Must read
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Giants-Testament-Heroes-Leadership/dp/0446530697/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1492715527&sr=1-1&keywords=running+with+the+giants
From the Publisher:
Motivational guru John C. Maxwell finds inspiration and encouragement in the lives of Old Testament personalities.
My Observation:
I mean, come on… it's John Maxwell. It must be good!
Seriously though, many people forget that long before Maxwell was a world renown leadership guru, he was a successful pastor. He has said often that his reason for moving into the 'business world' and away from pastoring was because he wanted to reach business leaders. He said he realized the best way to win a company was to win the leader. This book was so good, I recently used it to do a message series at Real Life Church. Highly recommend reading both for leadership tips and also for devotional reading.


text:
The Kitchen Witches
Full Length Play, Comedy / 2m, 2f
"Canadian playwright Caroline Smith has whipped up a hilarious tale." - Simcoe Times-Reformer
The Kitchen Witches
Use this tool for cost estimates based on your specific needs.
Cast Size2m, 2f
Duration120 minutes (2 hours)
AccoladesSamuel French Canadian Playwrights Contest
Target Audience
- Adult
- Senior
Additional Info
Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle are two "mature" cable-access cooking show hostesses who have hated each other for thirty years, ever since Larry Biddle dated one and married the other. When circumstances put them together on a TV show called The Kitchen Witches, the insults are flung harder than the food! Dolly's long-suffering TV-producer son, Stephen, tries to keep them on track, but as long as Dolly's dressing room is one inch closer to the set than Isobel's, it's a losing battle, and the show becomes a ratings smash as Dolly and Isobel top both Martha Stewart and Jerry Springer!
Pre-recorded jingles and other sound cues listed in the script are available for purchase; email firstname.lastname@example.com for information on cost. Producers of The Kitchen Witches are also encouraged to change the business names, locations and sponsors mentioned in the script to local references.
- Winner! 2005 Samuel French Canadian Playwrights Contest
"Canadian playwright Caroline Smith has whipped up a hilarious tale." - Simcoe Times-Reformer
"Take a handful of animated actors, add a lively and responsive audience, let the plot thicken and you get a savoury show that's sure to please even the fussiest palate." - Orangeville Banner
Performing Groups
- Community Theatre
- Dinner Theatre
- Professional Theatre
- Shoestring Budget
- Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups
- Alcohol
- Mild Adult Themes
License details
- Minimum Fee: $125 per performance
- Time Period: Contemporary, Present Day
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Setting: One unit set. A cooking-show kitchen in a small local cable-television studio. Large counter at center stage, featuring tabletop range for "cooking." Two dressing rooms, generally one on each side of the stage. A door leading to the rest of the TV station. At upstage, a sink, fridge, etc.
- Additional Features: Audience Participation/Interactive, Local Celebrity Cameo
- Features / Contains: Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
- Musical Style: N/A (Not a musical)
Casting2m, 2f
DOLLY BIDDLE - 50s; a little cherub of a woman, prone to overweight but always going at top speed. She indulges herself with anything life has to offer whenever possible – even if it's not good for her!? – and her creative imagination knows no bounds. She is intensely proud of her son Stephen, loves to dispense advice along with recipes for cabbage rolls and borscht and hates Isobel Lomax with an intensity usually reserved for detonating nuclear devices.
STEPHEN BIDDLE - 30s; a nervous, prematurely balding but decent young man who actually enjoys producing low-budget cable TV shows, even when his Mom is the star. Bright and capable, if somewhat shy, but always reluctant to confront Dolly on her many shortcomings. He's not a fighter - he'd rather be a lover, but nobody's asked him yet.
ISOBEL LOMAX - Thinks Martha Stewart could learn something about homemaking from her. She trained at the Cordon Bleu and enjoyed a successful career, including her own show "Busy Izzy." Isobel likes people to think she has a much classier background than reality supports; she would never go out without being properly accessorized. At heart, she is a bright funny and articulate woman who has come to terms with the choices she made early in life.
ROB THE CAMERA GUY (or ROBERTA THE CAMERA CHICK) - Non-speaking role (except for one line!). Rob is a young "Goth" inspired person; Stephen is a little afraid of him/her. He/she cleans up the sets, resets props, carries the portable camera around during the "live broadcasts" and despite his/her appearance, is generally extremely efficient and precise. (Can be played by an actual ASM or production assistant.)
Cast Attributes
- Not Applicable
Casting Notes
One non-speaking role can be played by either male or female.
The Kitchen Witches was first produced at the Stirling Festival Theatre in Stirling Ontario in June 2003.


text:
Bulletstorm – Cheats
Xbox 360
Get the Emerald-colored Leash
You can unlock the Emerald-colored Leash by beating the Bulletstorm demo then playing the full game. The Leash behaves exactly the same as the Blue Leash, it's just a different color.
Unlockable How to Unlock Emerald-colored Leash Beat the Bulletstorm demo.
Contributed By: Psionic_Wookie.
Know Something We Don't?
You can submit new cheats for this game and help our users gain an edge.
Have We Been Fooled?
You can submit a problem report for any non-working or fake code in the lists above.


text:
2. The Virginian-Pilot June 23,2002. Bariatric surgeonDozens of Patients 1991 -2001 Resigned under investigation from one hospital and was granted surgical privileges in another in 1997Surrendered license in 2001 after a 12 hour hearing . 3. From The Pilot.
Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author.While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server.


text:
Today I ran across this quote from Arthur Glasser that summarizes how much work there still is to do for the Gospel.
"If every congregation in the world were to undergo a great revival and reach out to every person within their own people- that is, to everyone in the cultural spheres represented by each congregation- over half of all remaining non-Christians would still not be reached."
So even if every church started batting 100% with their outreach, we would only cut halfway into the population of the unreached. That means there are many cultures that need to be engaged with the renewing message of Christ. The university is an extremely strategic mission field to reach the unreached both here in the states and overseas. At UCA, where Andrea and I have been for the last 8 years, we have seen students from some of the hardest to reach people groups become involved in the ministry and give their lives to Christ. We are then able to see them back to their homes as reverse missionaries.
Africa has almost 1,000 unreached people groups. We are convinced that reaching, and then sending redeemed, spirit-filled, indigenous students back to their home towns, and into other universities across Africa will exponentially accelerate the advance of the gospel into some of the hardest to reach locations and people groups.
These are the faces that will most effectively spread the Gospel throughout Africa.


text:
Michael Grab is an artist that has been practicing the art of rock balancing in Colorado. His work started as simple curiosity and has evolved into creating sculptures with the rocks he finds from his surrounding environment using only gravity to hold them together. We hope you find inspiration in this meditative practice during this hectic time of the year. "The eyes will often argue with the mind over how such a structure can remain in equilibrium" - MG
Photo: Michael Grab https://www.facebook.com/gravityglue


text:
Although rarely used, the usTLD Rapid Suspension Dispute Policy (usRS) allows a trademark owner to seek the suspension of a domain name in the .us country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). The usRS has many things in common with the Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS), which applies to domain names in the new generic top-level domains (gTLD). Among other things:
- Both policies are administered by the Forum.
- Both policies have filing fees that start at only $375.
- Both policies have strict, 500-word limits on complaints.
- Both policies have awkward mechanisms for addressing defaults and appealing decisions.
- Both policies require a trademark owner to prove three (almost identical) elements to prevail.
- Both policies set a high burden of proof: "clear and convincing evidence."
- Both policies allow a trademark owner to get a domain name suspended for the balance of the registration period (plus one year, if the trademark owner pays the renewal fee).
- Both policies are very quick, typically requiring an examiner to submit a determination within three business days after examination begins.
Under the usRS policy, a trademark owner must prove all three of the following to obtain a suspension order:
the registered domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a word mark: (i) for which the Complainant holds a valid national or regional registration and that is in current use; or (ii) that has been validated through court proceedings; or (iii) that is specifically protected by a statute or treaty in effect at the time the usRS complaint is filed; and
the Registrant has no legitimate right or interest to the domain name; and
the domain was registered or is being used in bad faith
The usRS contains one key difference from the URS: While the URS requires a trademark owner to prove that the disputed domain name "was registered and is being used in bad faith," the usRS requires only that the disputed domain name "was registered or is being used in bad faith."
It's a subtle but potentially important distinction. It's also consistent with the differences between the dispute policies that allow a trademark owner to seek the transfer of a domain name: The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) (which applies to .com and the new gTLDs, among others) contains the same "and" requirement for the bad faith element, while the usDRP (which applies to the .us ccTLD) uses the lower-threshold "or" language.
In any event, there have been very few decisions under the usRS, so it's unclear what impact, if any, the looser bad faith requirement has played. As of this writing, the Forum has had more than 650 URS cases since 2013 (and the Forum is not the only URS service provider), but only four usRS decisions since the policy went into effect on July 1, 2014. The scarcity of cases is probably due to a combination of factors, including the relatively low popularity of the .us ccTLD; the limited suspension remedy; and a lack of awareness by trademark owners of the availability of the usRS.
(According to Neustar, the registry operator for the .us ccTLD, there are about 2.1 million .us domain name registrations. By comparison, there are about 127.5 million .com domain name registrations.)
Despite its lack of popularity, the usRS is a quick, inexpensive and effective way for a trademark owner to tackle cybersquatting in the .us ccTLD.


text:
What is a Wind Mitigation inspection and should I get one?
Wind Mitigation inspection must be performed by a licensed general contractor, building contractor, architect, engineer, building inspector or home inspector. The form used as of August 2014 is OIR-B1-1802 and photos must accompany the wind mitigation report for it to be valid.
Wind Mitigation credits were mandated by the Florida Legislature several years ago, and they earn premium discounts for construction methods within your roof that resist damage by wind. There are several categories of credits, and within the several categories there are several levels of discounts. The age of the home and roof will be examined and inspectors will also be noting and taking photos of the roof deck attachment, roof to wall connection, roof shape and the existence of a secondary water resistance barrier.
The cost of a Wind Mitigation Inspection varies by vendor, but it is generally inexpensive. Do your research on inspection companies. You want to make sure the inspection is done properly. If you need a referral we work closely with and trust a few local inspectors so just ask!
The only way to know exactly how much you can save is by having the inspection done. The inspection cannot hurt you or cause your premium to go up. It can only cause the premium to stay the same or go down, sometimes by several hundreds of dollars!
Understanding a Wind Mitigation inspection
You definitely don't have to be a professional to understand a Wind Mitigation inspection, however it does get technical. Let's take a look at what the inspector is looking for, why he or she is looking, and how the process came to be.
First, it's important to know that the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form is actually a legal affidavit. That means that it's considered a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. This goes along with why all insurance companies in Florida must offer premium discounts for Wind Mitigation (although they can vary by company); the state legislature mandated the credits!
A Wind Mitigation Inspection looks at 7 areas of your roof system. They are:
- Which set of building codes is your entire home in compliance with? Basically, when your house was constructed determines how strict the building codes were and how wind resistive it is at a minimum.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: The newer the home the deeper the discount.
- What kind of roof covering you have. This is where the inspector notes if you have shingles, tiles, etc., and what building codes they are compliant with. This is important because an older home from the first item can have a much newer roof.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: The newer the roof the deeper the discount (much more so than in number 1)
- What is the weakest portion of your roof decking (typically the flat plywood under roof) made of, what kind of nails is secured down with and how far apart are the nails.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: Plywood is almost universally used, but not always. The longer the nails and the closer they are together, the deeper the discount.
- What is the roof attached to the walls of your home with? There are 8 findings the inspection can have, but the most common in order from weakest to strongest are Toe Nails, Clips, Single Wraps, and Double Wraps.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: If you are re-roofing your home make sure the best/strongest method is used. All you have to do is upgrade as much is possible. Always ensure proper permits are pulled and building codes are followed too.
- What is the geometry of your roof? Very simply put, from a home insurance perspective, hip roofs are the best, gables are OK, and flat roofs are great for wind but aren't so great overall. A hip roof slants up on all sides like a pyramid. It can have more than 4 sides. Hip roofs can withstand the highest pressure loads from very fast blowing wind. Gable roofs can be simple upside down V-shaped roofs or roofs with multiple peaks in the shape of a letter V. Gable roofs can only withstand certain pressure loads because the blowing wind can get under and lift them, unlike hip roofs. Flat roofs are less of a wind issue, but they tend to collect debris and to be very leak prone as they age.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: If building or purchasing a home, a hip roof is always preferable. A home with a hip roof will generally have a lower insurance premium than a perfectly equivalent home with a gable or flat roof.
- The first item that has absolutely nothing to do with wind but is on a Wind Mitigation Inspection is Secondary Water Resistance. Does the roof have more than just felt paper between the outer covering (shingles/tiles/etc.) and the decking (plywood)? Is there rolled waterproof membrane in between? Felt paper has a tendency to dry out and behave like potato chips. As it crumbs away water can permeate the wood decking and work its way into the house causing damage. Secondary Water Resistance helps prevent this water intrusion.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: On a re-roof make sure Secondary Water Resistance is used. It's now part of the building codes throughout Florida to use it on new construction.
- Opening Protection is another less roof involving item, but it very much concerns itself with wind. This possible credits looks to see if your house has hurricane shutters, specially designed garage doors, windows, skylights or other "openings" meant to withstand wind and strikes from blowing debris.
- Wind Mitigation Discount Tip: A few extra bucks on the hurricane rated garage door/skylight/windows/etc. and investing in hurricane shutters will qualify you for some extra discounts!
Who Executes a Wind Mitigation inspection?
There are 6 types of qualified people who can sign-off on your Wind Mitigation Inspection. It must also include your signature a series of photos that substantiate each of the 7 items. Sadly, the photos became a requirement because a lot of Wind Mitigation fraud when the program first came to be. This six approved inspectors are:
- A Home Inspector licensed under Section 468.8314, Florida Statutes, and is properly trained and passes a test, such as interNACHI certification.
- A Building Code Inspector certified under Section 468.607, Florida Statutes.
- A General, Building or Residential Contractor licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes.
- A Professional Engineer licensed under Section 471.015, Florida Statutes.
- A Professional Architect licensed under Section 481.213, Florida Statutes.
- Any other individual or entity recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications to properly complete a uniform mitigation verification form pursuant to Section 627.711(2), FL Statutes.
- Item 6 is rarely used – I've never seen it – and is solely at the discretion of your insurance company. Insureds – you – have no say in the matter regarding the acceptability of a Wind Mitigation Inspector outside of the first five legally defined types.
Where did Wind Mitigation credits come from?
Every home insurance company in Florida must offer Wind Mitigation discounts. However, there is no standard amount for each of the 7 credit earning items, nor is there any scientific data used to determine how much credit each carrier awards for each item. Insurer A might give a 5% discount for having "Clips" in item 4, but Insurer B might offer only 1% or as much as 10%. These discounts are also often only applied to the "Wind" portion of your premium: Say your insurance costs $1,000.00 per year. It is then broken down into "Wind" and "Non-Wind" portions. Again, there is no standard amongst carriers for that split, so there is no way to substantiate it on a common level for all homeowners. Effectively, the Florida Legislature said, "In order to get reelected we need a juicy talking point about saving Florida homeowners money on their insurance. We're going to cast aside the scientific data that makes claims costs predictable and require quasi-scientific discounts."
The proof is in the pudding. It's why the companies are required to offer a certain level discount. There's no data to use to be certain that feature X is really that significantly better than feature Y. Thus, the elected officials get to say they got you a discount, but the insurers get to make it as big or little as they want because it's not really a science-based item.
This doesn't mean that all Florida homeowners shouldn't take advantage of a Wind Mitigation Inspection. We often find that the inspections pay for themselves, earning at least $80-$100 of credit each year for a guaranteed 5 years (often longer). Many times the credits reach well into the hundreds and even thousands of dollars. It is rare that no credits are earned because without the inspection your home is assumed to have the least possible wind resistive features. It's also important to note that the inspection CANNOT hurt you. You cannot be charged more unless you had a prior Wind Mitigation Inspection that had incorrect findings in your favor. I urge all Florida homeowners to get the inspection done. I cannot guarantee a savings with 100% certainty, but it's tremendously likely ( 90% or more in my opinion) that you'll wind up with a positive result!
**This piece is intended as an incomplete introduction and reference to the process of Wind Mitigation Inspection for Florida homeowners. It does not imply or guarantee any premium savings, insurance coverage or protection against loss. Wind Mitigation Inspectors are hired at all homeowners' own risk. Harry Levine Insurance is in no way responsible for positive or negative outcomes of any actions taken in reliance on this article. No action should be taken in reliance on this article.**


text:
This site is run by a group of UK based Kriegsspielers, who meet approximately 6 times a year in Little Gaddesdon, Hertfordshire.
We will be meeting on the following dates in 2019
April 14th 2019May 19th 2019June 16th 2019Sept 22nd 2019Oct 20th 2019Nov 24th 2019
Topics to be announced in due course.
Whilst, like the Reisswitz originals, our rules frameworks have adapted, games are always umpire moderated in the Kriegsspiel style and map based.
Topics for games have included Napoleonic and American Civil War battle refights as well as WW1 Naval and civil strife in sub saharan Africa.
If you are interested in playing or want to know more Contact us.


text:
"RELAX, the world isn't going to end in 2012" - Honolulu Magazine
I have to say it, THIS YEAR HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE!
Most of it has to do with so many of the amazing illustrators I have befriended in real life and through twitter, Without your guy's support and friendship, I wouldn't know where I'd be. Huge thanks to the many art directors/musicians I have worked with who have hired me to make a ton of really fun artwork. Sometimes once, sometimes twice, and sometimes every month. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you so much. Lastly, I have to thank my wonderful roommates for keeping me social, and kind of inspired.
Goals for 2012 - Work Hard + make time to live.
1. Stop worrying so much… The world is not going to end, the milk is probably still good, pretty sure I can do a 4 hour deadline, is my hair getting too long? did I already wear this shirt? Am I forgetting something?… D:
2. Staying in touch. I have worked with a lot of wonderful people, and hung out with a ton of creative people this year. I am totally flattered to work/hang out with so many rad people. I want to know how I can better stay connected with you guys without in 2012.
3. Truly understand how "I" define my work. It's always interesting to hear other people's responses of what they see/feel/think about my work. Often times, my work is described as "fine art illustration", "Vintage colors", "painterly textured, sort of narrative". I always thought of myself as a conceptual/poetic illustrator who creates his images on the computer. I think how "I" define myself is important to explore because I run a business. And, how I define myself helps guide others on how they can use me. I also don't want to get too caught up in definitions either because they can totally suck you dry.
4. Working on larger projects… Series of book covers? T-shirt line? Vinyl cut murals for a pop-up shop(s)? Corporate Annual Reports? Skateboard Decks? Multi-layered AD campaign involving printed posters, interactivity for the web/tablet, and other printed ephemera?
5. I want to make books…. I have been asked to make two children's books this year. They were both killed in the early stages. Let's make this happen guys. Childrens book, Adult picture book, Let's make a nice collection of images together.
6. Live. A few close friends of mine tell me too often that I need to leave my apartment. This is true. So, I plan on taking a few days to a week off every month starting in January. Illustration/handlettering is wonderful, but, I'd like to think I have deeper interests than just that.
So That's That! Thank you again guys for getting me stoked everyday to create things for myself and for you. I am really lucky to be able do this every day. HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!


text:
Genres: Bizarro, Dark Fantasy, Extreme Horror
Buy on Amazon
The following is based on a copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
In this day and age of increasingly short attention spans, author K. Z. Morano offers the perfect cure for such an affliction with her collection of micro-fiction. 100 stories, each of 100 words in length, bolted together to form 100 Nightmares.
It's undoubtedly ambitious stuff. Most authors fail to deliver with 10000 words, let alone 100. But Morano demonstrates early on that she is up to the task. Mommy Makes Dinner was the first of her tales to strike a chord with me, its reveal somehow managing to be insidious despite the brevity of the work. Through the opening half of 100 Nightmares, I found myself time and again pleasantly surprised. Laundry was immensely satisfying; Control Freak, a gleefully spiteful affair; and The Secondhand Man stayed with me through the rest of the day that I read it. Morano also dedicates an early section of the book to re-imagining a number of classic nursery rhymes and faerie tales. Most are enjoyably dark, some – such as Golden Locks, Sibling Love, and Ever After – are disturbingly haunting.
The other section of the book that I generally got a kick out of was that entitled Diaries of Bones. This gory section contains some of the more memorable images the author conjured up, such as those attached to Animal Shelter and Funny Bone.
But as with any collection of stories, there were a number that fell flat for me. And when that collection is 100 tales, it only makes sense that those less successful entries are going to be more numerous. Culturally-speaking, the section about monsters deriving from Japanese folklore was interesting as it highlighted just how bizarre some of the things that scare the Japanese are. But as stories and entertainment value goes, very few had an impact on me. The fact this was the last section in the book likely magnified its shortcomings, especially after some of the early successes Morano offered. Also, at times, it became apparent, 100 words just wasn't enough for the author to convey her point, resulting in a number of stories that were too abstract and ambiguous for my tastes.
I was also slightly surprised to find myself too aware of just how much of the violence in these tales focuses on children. If it got to me (perhaps I'm starting to mellow as a new father) then others with more delicate sensitives should enter these waters forewarned.
And finally, though others will likely see it differently, I failed to appreciate the inclusion of drawings to illustrate many of the stories. To me, this felt like a bit of cheat. If your whole gimmick is to stick to 100 words with all of your tales, aren't you bending the rules to then illustrate that tale with a picture that tells 1000 words? (That said, the cover art is incredible!)
In all, Morano delivers an eclectic range of ambitious micro-fiction, the more accomplished of which is truly impressive in what it achieves in such a small amount of words. So much so that I can't help but wonder what she might be able to achieve with a longer tale of a more traditional length?
3.5 Body Parts Discarded in the Corner for 100 Nightmares. (P.S. I'm eschewing our usual rating system here because it's too hard to give a score overall for 'Characters' when there are 100 tales. Same for 'Believability', 'Plot', etc).


text:
The year is 2044. The Russian war is over, and America looks forward to a period of peace and stability as the world's greatest sealed-off oligarchy. When allegations of sexual misconduct emerge regarding President Daniel Lessard, the President resorts to drastic measures in order to win the Democratic nomination and stay in office. Specifically, Lessard enlists Captain America to serve as his Vice President. As tensions mount between Lessard's corporatist administration and Cap's Old-Left sensibilities, both sides are forced to question what we want from our government, and what it means to be an American in the tumultuous mid-Twenty-first century.
A reading of a new play from AZ ex-pat Andy Boyd, currently pursuing an MFA in playwriting at Columbia University.
7:30pm doors - 8:00pm performance - $5 at the door


text:
The Boys Are Here!!!
Well, I can only give a quick update right now as we are just home for a little bit. The boys were born last Monday morning (Hayden @ 1:49 and Carson @ 1:51) by c-section. Hayden weighed in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and Carson was 4 pounds, 13 ounces. To us, they are the most beautiful babies ever born :).
Overall, we are all doing pretty good. I was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, but both boys are still in there. Carson is a little small and has had some minor difficulties because of that. It started with some apnea and now we have figured out that he has reflux. So, he is on some medication and has to be in a slightly inclined position. Since we've started that, we've had no more episodes of apnea. We are now just waiting on him to start gaining weight consistently and eating with a bottle instead of a feeding tube - which we are working on right now. Hayden is doing fine. He has had some jaundice, but nothing major. The main reason he is still in the hospital is because his brother is - we want them to be able to stay together. Phillip and I are staying at the Annex at St. Bernard's right now so that we can get to the boys easily to feed them (about every 3 hours!).
I promise to post some pictures as soon as I can.