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Chicago Tap Theatre is taking the stage on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 28-29, at 8 p.m. at Hope College at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.
Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) has been described as "inventive, family friendly and rhythmic" by the "Chicago Tribune." The company's mission is to preserve the quintessentially American dance form of tap and to take tap to the next level of creativity and innovation. CTT works to bridge the gap between tap and other forms of concert dance (such as jazz, ballet and modern) by adopting a conceptual, story-based and more emotional approach to its work.
Chicago Tap Theatre was founded in 2002 by Artistic Director Mark Yonally, an internationally acclaimed dancer with experience with the Bill Evans Dance Company and E.T.C. Yonally believed that the time was right for tap dance to expand its artistic horizons and formed a company with a mission to innovate tap dance while simultaneously helping preserve its rich history.
Chicago Tap Theatre performed as a guest in numerous Chicagoland productions while also self-producing five full-length shows during its first three years, and produced its first three-show season in 2004. Since then, CTT has toured cities in the south of France, worked with Bill Evans, told the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, performed numerous secular holiday shows and appeared at events including Lollapalooza, the Jazz Dance World Congress and the Ravinia Festival. The company's works have included "Changes," a science fiction tap dance opera set entirely to the music of David Bowie; "Mixology," which incorporates a mixture of tap dance to live music; and a collaboration with comic book artist Andrew Pepoy ("Superman," "X-Men," "Fables") for "The Hourglass in the Stop-Time Chronicles," a tap opera with a comic book/superhero theme.
Tickets for Chicago Tap Theatre are $10 for regular admission, $7 for senior citizens, and $5 for students and children. Tickets are on sale at the ticket office in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890. Tickets will also be available at the Knickerbocker Theatre one hour before the performance.
The DeVos Fieldhouse is located facing Fairbanks Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St.


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|New goods Button-K01.
|New goods Rune-Othila.
|New goods Rune-Dagaz.
|New goods Rune-Ingwaz.
|New goods Rune-Laguz.
I am glad you visited my web and I hope that you not just only choose something but also inspire yourself and learn something new.
Through this web I would like to offer you historical items and wares, which I make almost everytime under open sky with only hand tools and above all with love to my craft which is so interesting.
You can find here also handcrafted items from my friends, which are also members of our association or its close friends. I would like to make a point that some items on the photo can be slightly different from those which you buy (by its shape for example). It's because I make everything in my hands so as you can not find two exactly same antlers, you also cannot find exactly same products from them
I produce mostly replicas of early medieval products, but I also make items for other periods of history and sometimes even for fantasy. Another of my specialities is custom production. After personal contract is possible to make almost everything for any historical period or nation. For fishermen and hunters I offer production of knives with engravings of fish and animals in handle, for lovers of eccentric fashion for example earrings and amulets from tops of antlers or teeth. Few photographies of my products you can see in gallery of custom production.
Short introduce: My name is David Tůma, but people mostly know me as Dagfari Hrut which is my nickname.
I am chief of civil association for living history Midgard, on it's web you can find plenty of information about Vikings and life in early medieval Europe.
My biggest hobby and today even work is experimental archeology, mostly early medieval period in Scandinavia – so Vikings, their lifestyle, fighting techniques, mythology and of course crafts. With all this I started back in 2000 and now I am a part of organization of several historical events in Czech republic and I am reguraly part of those events even in Germany or Poland.
On historical events you can almost everytime find me in my fully equiped Viking tent which is equiped with historicaly accurate furniture such as chests, bed and other items. Everything including my Viking costume is straight replica from 9-10 century. My tent serves me not only as a place to sleep but also as selling stall and workshop, because in my free time on these events I give performance of engraving and making tools and items of daily use from antlers and bones. This ancient craft, which I try to reenact and show it to my audience becomes from my hobby to my job and I really appreciate people which can value it, buys something or praise my work
David "Dagfari Hrut" Tůma

subset: commoncrawl


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South River Road is closed east of Jefferson Avenue in Harrison Township due to a gas main break leak, according to Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham.
A contractor was installing a guard rail this afternoon when a piece of equipment struck a gas line. The road is completely closed east of Macomber, the sheriff said in a news release.
A Consumers Energy repair crew is on the scene and working to repair the line. The road likely will remain closed until 7 p.m. today, the sheriff said.


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We're very excited to announce a partnership with PGHTix.com.
"PGHTix.com, your source for Steelers, concert and theater tickets in the Burgh or around the world.
PGHTix will begin sponsoring our Blitzburgh Radio Steelers Podcasts immediately. We have placed their image on the podcast page and our hompage, and will begin mentioning them on the shows right away.
Head on over to PGHTix.com, find some tickets to the game you want to see and when place your order be sure and use promo code BLITZ & you'll receive 5% off the total order price courtesy of your friends right here at SA!
We encourage you all to check them out and consider buying some tickets for the Steelers this season, or other tickets for events that you might like! They've got a great selection of seats available at Heinz Field and the staff there at PGHTIX is top notch, they'll make sure you're happy with your purchase.


text:
11618 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
Toll Free: 800-330-3297 Local: 813-933-1942
- 11618 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
We're Sorry...
Product chocolates - Chocolates
is no longer available for online purchase.
Please choose a different product or contact us for assistance with your order.
We apologize for the inconvenience!


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I'm currently at the Sundance Film Festival, and while I'll be seeing plenty of movies, I'll only be seeing features. Sadly, it's the nature of the scheduling, but I'm glad to report that Sundance has put 12 of their 65 short films on YouTube. Among the selections are Broken Night by Babel writer Guillermo Arriga, and the comedy The Apocalypse starring Martin Starr. I've only watched a few of the shorts, and they're all pretty dark and twisted, so if that's your thing, these are worth twenty minutes of your day.
Hit the jump to check out some of the short films. The 2013 Sundance Film Festival runs from today to January 27th.
For all of the short films, click here [via USA Today].


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The Origins of the British 'Tommy'
The name Tommy or Tommy Atkins has long been used as a generic nickname for the British Soldier for hundreds of years. There are many opinions as to where/how/why this name came about, my favourite is the one that suggests it was chosen by the Duke of Wellington…
The Duke was standing on a path which ran around the ramparts of Walmer Castle on a sunny summers day in July 1843. Near him, standing to attention, was a young Staff Officer of the Adjutant-General's Department. He had just asked a question on a small matter of detail which the War Office thought should, as a courtesy, be referred to the Commander of the Forces. A name typical of the British private soldier was required, for use on the model sheet of the soldiers' accounts and to show them where to sign.
The Duke stood gazing out to sea while the young officer waited, searching in a long memory stored with recollections for a man who typified the character of Britain's soldiers. He thought back to his first campaign in the Low Countries where he had fought his first action with his old Regiment, the 33rd Foot.
When the battle was over and won, Wellesly rode back to where little groups of wounded men were lying on the ground. At the place where the right of the line had been lay the right-hand man of the Grenadier Company, Thomas Atkins. He stood six foot three in his stockinged feet, he had served for twenty years, he could neither read or write and he was the best man at arms in the Regiment. One of the bandsmen had bound up his head where a sabre had slashed it, he had a bayonet wound in the chest, and a bullet through the lungs. He had begged the bearers not to move him, but to let him die in peace. Wellesly looked down on him and the man must have seen his concern. 'It's all right, Sir' he gasped. 'It's all in the day's work.' They were his last words.
The Old Duke turned to the the waiting staff officer. 'Thomas Atkins,' he said.
From the Ypres Times April 1929.
I enjoyed that, let's hope that is the true origin


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Jennie Wade/Haunted Orphanage Walking Tour on 11/4/20 @ 7:00 PM on 11/04/2020
This new, all outdoor tour (does not take you inside) will include stories relating to both the Jennie Wade House and the Haunted Orphanage. Your guide will take you on a short walk around the neighborhood, which will include the South side of town that traverses the area of East Cemetery Hill. You will be treated to haunted tales of the Dobbin House on Steinwehr Avenue, the National Cemetery, The Former Hall of Presidents, haunts of the Orphanage, curious tales of ghostly soldiers, heartbroken women, poltergeists and other assorted ghostly encounters. The tour is 90 minutes.
This tour was created to accommodate necessary social distancing protocol, limiting the size and being conducted all outside to avoid confining our groups to enclosed areas.
Due to popular demand we will now be offering private ghost tours to small groups traveling together. These tours will take you INSIDE either the Jennie Wade House or Haunted Orphanage. Tours will last 75 minutes with the majority of time taking place INSIDE the house. For further information or to schedule please call Gettysburg Tours (717) 334-6269 or Ghostly Images (717) 334-1156.
Note: Masks are required to be worn on buses/ghost tours at all times and during the tour anytime you are within six feet of other visitors.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask we are not able to accommodate you at this time.


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I am creating a game using OpenGL and I want to render the effect of a night sky with a few stars in it.
I want to have a shiny black effect in the sky so that it looks good. Could some one help in how to proceed through it or give a link to a good tutorial?


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How To Organize An Event
From VoidWarranties - Hackerspace Antwerp, Belgium
This page describes how to organize an event/workshop. It is by no means complete, so feel free to add/change stuff
Before the event
- Pick a subject
- Post something on the mailinglist to find out if people are interested and to finetune the subject
- Pick a date
- Find a presenter... The presenter can be the same person organizing the event, but it doesn't have to be. If you don't know something but want to learn it, chances are others will want to learn it too, so just go out there and find us a teacher.
- Create an event page. Include info like:
- when?
- description of the subject
- knowledge needed
- material needed (or cash if you the space or whoever buys the material in advance and then sells it at the workshop)
- price for non-members: €5 (unless another arrangement has been made for some reason). Members of other Belgian hackerspaces and Josto don't have to pay the €5, but they are more than welcome to do so if they want to :)
- do you have to subscribe in advance? how, where and by when?
- Find someone who can open and close the space (for the time being, that will most likely be Yashiko, Ivo, Quentin, Ward or Oddly)
- Write a little explanation on what the workshop will be about, when it will be etc (basically the same info as on the event page) and mail it/give it to Josto people (Titjes or Tom would be a good choice), preferably well in advance
- Announce the event on the various mailinglists
During the event
- Collect the €5 from non-members
- Keep an eye on the bar (of find someone to do so), depending on the people present
- Enjoy the workshop
After the event
- Clean up (feel free to stimulate other people to help you here)
- Make an evaluation of the event (or have someone else do it)
- Clean up
- Make sure everything is cleaned up
- Did I mention you should clean up?


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This is a warm and soft pop rock track with a very optimistic and positive vibe. Piano, E Piano, Glockenspiel, Strings and Synths on top of solid rock drumming build up to an inspiring chorus with a winning attitude. Great for various uses such as motivational and corporate projects, commercials, presentations, Film and TV, Youtube as well as other new media applications.
Have a look at my portfolio!
Or browse my bookmarks:
Ambient|Lounge * Corporate * Hip-Hop * Loops


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- Length: 65:15 minutes (14.93 MB)
- Format: MP3 Stereo 44kHz 32Kbps (CBR)
- Meet Erick Gordon the new director of the New York City Writing Project and the founder of the Student Press Initiative.
- Enjoy the perspectives of a couple of the digital photographers who are in Chris Sloan's school in Salt Lake City, where they had just published their student magazine, the Bulldog Press on MagCloud for the first time.
- Warm to the thoughts of David Pulling from LSU-Eunice who gives us an update on how his students I-Search papers. In particular we invite you to take a look at this one by Vonda Guidry: "Potential Health Effects of Food Contamination From the BP Oil Spill." Paul Allison's high school students and Vonda had a productive dialogue in the comments under her discussion post.
- And of course you don't want to miss Margaret Simon's elementary school students who have publishing on Voices on the Gulf — and who now have other ideas, as Margaret explains:
Things are good and busy. Our gifted students present a historical play each year for first graders in the parish at The Shadows, a plantation home on the bayou. There is much involved in preparing and performing, so little else goes on.My student Kaylie is working on making Clover the Plover a book. She is illustrating it using Paint on the Promethean board. I hope to publish it on Lulu as a fundraiser for the Gulf.
And more! Why don't you drop by too? We invite you to join us every Wednesday at http://EdTechTalk.com/live at 9:00pm Eastern / 6:00pm Pacific USA (World Times).
Click Read more to see a copy of the chat that was happening during the webcast.
20:51:37 Paul Allison: http://paulallison.tumblr.com/post/2148688596/join-us-for-a-curriculum-p...
20:52:51 Paul Allison: My notes for tonights's show were last minute, but here they are: http://paulallison.tumblr.com/post/2148688596/join-us-for-a-curriculum-p...
20:56:05 Paul Allison: Hi Chris.
20:56:18 Chris Sloan: Hi Paul. How are all those letters of rec coming?
20:56:26 Chris Sloan: I feel your pain
20:56:52 Paul Allison: Margaret has a couple of students joining us Aeran (6th) and Kaylie (4th).
20:57:02 SusanEttenheim: hi all
20:57:10 Paul Allison: Hi Susan...
20:57:10 Chris Sloan: Cool. Are one of them the author of the book?
20:57:17 Paul Allison: Kalie.
20:57:32 PeggyG: Hi everyone
20:57:35 Chris Sloan: That should be good talking to a young author
20:58:23 PeggyG: I'm having problems with the chat when I log in with Firefox. Anyone else? I'm using Chrome tonight.
20:58:54 Chris Sloan: Hi Peggy. No problems with chat with Firefox
20:59:13 PeggyG: thanks! guess I need to do some troubleshooting on my end. I'm on a new computer
20:59:29 MGuhlin.org: Is it over or just starting?
20:59:32 PeggyG: hi Miguel! great to see you!
20:59:46 MGuhlin.org: Howdy!!
21:00:00 PeggyG: just about to start
21:00:25 PeggyG: have to listen on EdTeachTalk A
21:00:34 MGuhlin.org: What's the topic?
21:00:54 Paul Allison: We will start soon!
21:01:01 Paul Allison: Topic will be iterative.
21:01:23 PeggyG: big word Paul :-)
21:01:35 MGuhlin.org: Hmm...
21:01:47 MGuhlin.org: If I didn't know you were a writer, that would have given it away!
21:01:49 MGuhlin.org: ;->
21:01:54 PeggyG: http://paulallison.posterous.com/join-us-for-a-curriculum-potpourri-on-t...
21:02:05 PeggyG: there's some background for you Miguel
21:02:48 Chris Sloan: I think the topic is about publishing student work, on-demand magazines and books, and publishing research online at Voices on the Gulf
21:03:02 PeggyG: hearing the audio now :-)
21:03:08 PeggyG: audio is great
21:03:37 MGuhlin.org: i hear the audio! great!
21:04:14 PeggyG: I love it when you have the students on!!
21:04:37 PeggyG: potpourri :-)
21:04:52 SusanEttenheim: hi everyone - how's the sound?
21:05:20 SusanEttenheim: great thanks
21:05:21 MGuhlin.org: @Susan Awesome
21:05:22 PeggyG: http://voicesonthegulf.org/discussion/potential-health-effects-food-cont...
21:05:47 SusanEttenheim: welcome everyone! I was busy fussing around in the background.. so helloo and welcome to our conversation this week!
21:05:49 PeggyG: that's the link to Vonda's blog post
21:07:33 PeggyG: http://voicesonthegulf.org/discussion/clover-plover-picture Clover the Plover
21:08:04 PeggyG: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/128339
21:08:15 SusanEttenheim: sylvia - sorry my students missed you last week!
21:08:28 SusanEttenheim: they're going to try tonight but not sure they can make it
21:09:02 PeggyG: what an exciting show!!
21:10:34 Paul Allison: http://publishspi.org
21:10:45 Chris Sloan: Here's Sylvia's Youth Foto magazine on MagCloud http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/128633
21:11:24 Chris Sloan: Here's another publication we do at our school. Our student "newspaper" now published on MagCloud too: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/140120
21:11:32 PeggyG: very impressive magazine!!
21:12:22 Paul Allison: http://publishspi.org/
21:13:10 PeggyG: wow! 150 books!
21:14:34 PeggyG: http://voicesonthegulf.org/discussion/how-clover-plover-and-pip-made-dif...
21:16:55 PeggyG: creative use of techonology to write her book!
21:18:21 PeggyG: the comments about Kaylie's book are wonderful!
21:19:16 PeggyG: if she publishes it on LuLu people could download it as an ebook too
21:19:25 SusanEttenheim: how true!
21:20:04 PeggyG: what a great idea Erin!
21:20:44 PeggyG: different environmental issues with the same characters but different environments--great idea!
21:21:18 PeggyG: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/128633 Youth Foto
21:21:49 PeggyG: magcloud seems to be an excellent publishing tool
21:24:05 margaretsmn: Something in hand seems to mean more than looking online.
21:24:15 Chris Sloan: We've used MagCloud and Lulu. Lulu I think is better for books.
21:25:12 PeggyG: Hi Matt and mrsdurff!
21:25:20 matt montagne: hey peggyg, et al
21:25:29 mrsdurff: :)
21:25:39 SusanEttenheim: hi matt hi durff welcome!
21:25:43 margaretsmn: is this the magazine on magcloud that sylvia is working on?
21:25:49 SusanEttenheim: yes
21:25:56 Chris Sloan: The MagCloud publications can be viewed on iPads
21:26:01 PeggyG: I always like online because I can get it instantly--don't have to wait for it to come in the mail and don't have to pay shipping :-)
21:26:05 mrsdurff: Froehliche Weihnachten
21:26:11 SusanEttenheim: how true!
21:26:14 PeggyG: that's great to know Chris
21:26:18 margaretsmn: paul, reminder that Aeran is planning a art auction fundraiser.
21:26:27 Chris Sloan: Here's Sylvia's draft of the magazine http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/128633
21:26:36 matt montagne: eBooks and mobile phone access perhaps...
21:26:42 SusanEttenheim: margaret - what is that a fundraiser for?
21:26:50 margaretsmn: i love having a book in hand too.
21:27:11 Chris Sloan: I think print is more reflective; online is more connective
21:27:15 margaretsmn: for national wildlife fund oil spill response.
21:27:26 mrsdurff: right now books can go places the internet doesn't
21:27:28 matt montagne: I have no nostalgia for the physical book...
21:27:29 SusanEttenheim: I love books and am also our librarian but I lOVE LOvE LOVE my iPad and I read more than ever because of it!
21:27:38 mrsdurff: hopefully that will change
21:27:42 SusanEttenheim: ahh
21:27:51 PeggyG: I outgrew my home with all of my books! downsizing now...
21:27:52 mrsdurff: and Kindles are too rich for me
21:27:59 Chris Sloan: yes, I think I'm reading more than ever too. I add audiobooks to the mix.
21:28:03 SusanEttenheim: margaret is there a website for that?
21:28:06 matt montagne: children's books are tough to replicate in the digital world
21:28:15 margaretsmn: nope. not that fancy.
21:28:16 mrsdurff: libraries are wonderful places peggy
21:28:28 mrsdurff: i should know, i'm a librarian
21:28:33 PeggyG: :-)
21:28:34 SusanEttenheim: matt - I think picture books are awesome online
21:28:48 SusanEttenheim: durffff I forgot that!
21:28:52 mrsdurff: Has anyone seen Micheal
21:29:03 SusanEttenheim: what's that Durff?
21:29:04 mrsdurff: Rosen's going on a bear bhunt
21:29:08 margaretsmn: i agree that the collaboration is exciting!
21:29:09 mrsdurff: on youtube
21:29:16 SusanEttenheim: hummm url?
21:29:16 PeggyG: yes I saw that mrsdurff
21:29:24 mrsdurff: he performs his children's book
21:29:36 mrsdurff: our classes use Lulu
21:29:55 SusanEttenheim: ahh cute - going on a bear hunt was oxenbury wasn't it?
21:30:03 mrsdurff: we publish every year, I get a copy cheaply and we aution it off
21:30:20 mrsdurff: yes susan - both people
21:30:28 PeggyG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytc0U2WAz4s Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
21:30:44 mrsdurff: the book says both names
21:30:46 SusanEttenheim: ahh yes thanks Peggy
21:31:03 SusanEttenheim: of course... haha my daughters are almost 22 and 24 now!
21:31:07 mrsdurff: the man has bug eyes
21:31:13 SusanEttenheim: but I remember when that wonderful book was new!
21:31:29 PeggyG: there's so much to think about when you create a book for publication!
21:31:48 matt montagne: @Chris, what type of files do you have to upload to magcloud?? .doc, inDesign, pdf??
21:31:58 SusanEttenheim: I Just don't want to carry around heavy stuff anymore
21:32:00 mrsdurff: maybe a future newberry winner is here among us?
21:32:01 Chris Sloan: you have to upload pdfs
21:32:07 SusanEttenheim: and I love how books look on the iPad
21:32:16 PeggyG: sounds like you may be right mrsdurff!
21:32:34 Chris Sloan: but Word and inDesign convert to pdf
21:32:42 SusanEttenheim: clover the plover... wait til we hear the news in a few!
21:33:04 SusanEttenheim: There is a great magazine doc just created on Google Docs finally!
21:33:13 mrsdurff: yes Chris they do
21:33:32 SusanEttenheim: inDesign is too big a learning curve for us right now
21:33:39 PeggyG: you can create wonderful magazine covers with Flickr Toys (bighugelabs)
21:33:55 Chris Sloan: url for that Peggy?
21:34:03 SusanEttenheim: that sounds interesting peggy
21:34:15 PeggyG: http://bighugelabs.com/
21:34:18 mrsdurff: Peggy is the Google Jockey queen
21:34:25 PeggyG: :-)
21:35:23 matt montagne: one of the best student pubs that I've ever seen: Palo Alto High School's "Paly Voice" http://voice.paly.net/
21:35:35 mrsdurff: a storybook Kallie? (spelling?)
21:36:12 Chris Sloan: @Matt. I second the Paly Voice reference. I actually stopped by their school when I was in the Bay Area just to get a sense for Paul Kandell's approach
21:36:28 PeggyG: http://www.flickr.com/photos/71634097@N00/157031195/in/set-7215759418372... this is a simple example of a magazine cover I created with bighugelabs
21:36:52 mrsdurff: "gifted" is rare as it is
21:36:55 Chris Sloan: Nice Peggy
21:36:57 matt montagne: when I google search for things around my area in Palo Alto, often times articles from the student powered "Paly Voice" are returned via google...that is pretty powerful
21:37:14 PeggyG: that is definitely powerful Matt!
21:37:36 matt montagne: we're just a quarter mile from Paly, Chris. Their journalism program is stellar for sure.
21:37:52 Chris Sloan: and Eshter W is there too. She's great
21:38:07 PeggyG: I love the kinds of collaborating you're talking about!
21:38:14 mrsdurff: it must be in the tapwater
21:38:39 matt montagne: Chris, yes, Esther too...they are loaded in the journalism dept!!!
21:39:38 PeggyG: http://youthvoices.net/ in case you're not familiar with YouthVoices, this is the site
21:39:47 mrsdurff: it's past my bedtime folks
21:39:58 matt montagne: nite durff...
21:40:00 Chris Sloan: Yes, I'm a big fan of Youth Voices
21:40:02 PeggyG: good night mrsdurff-so glad you could join us
21:40:12 mrsdurff: night Peggy
21:40:18 PeggyG: I'm a huge fan of Youth Voices too!!
21:42:19 matt montagne: baby callin'
21:42:28 matt montagne: nice checkin' in, folks...
21:42:31 Chris Sloan: Better read that baby a book Matt
21:42:47 matt montagne: yep, Runaway Bunny is on tap!!
21:42:47 SusanEttenheim: good to say hi to you matt!
21:42:47 PeggyG: so good to see you Matt
21:42:57 PeggyG: have fun!
21:44:00 PeggyG: http://issuu.com/ I just discovered Issuu as an online place for publishing books that can be embedded on other sites. Really like it!
21:45:57 Paul Allison: http://voicesonthegulf.org/discussion/potential-health-effects-food-cont...
21:46:09 Chris Sloan: Margaret. I want a copy of the book.
21:46:26 PeggyG: what a wonderful story about Vonda!
21:47:35 margaretsmn: Chris, will keep you in touch about the progress.
21:48:01 margaretsmn: paul, please don't forget about Aeran...
21:48:23 Chris Sloan: thanks
21:48:35 Paul Allison: got it.
21:48:38 Chris Sloan: keep in touch
21:51:49 PeggyG: I remember that girl!! she was very inspiring!
21:52:08 PeggyG: an art auction is a wonderful idea!
21:53:27 Chris Sloan: what's the name of that video Susan
21:53:52 PeggyG: I've been seeing some of their nature photographs on YouthVoices and they are beautiful!
21:54:09 PeggyG: that's a great idea Susan!
21:54:20 SusanEttenheim: I think it's called The Photographers - basic National Geographic magazine... we borrowed it from the other teacher
21:55:27 PeggyG: http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographics-Photographers-Keith-David/dp/... is that the video Susan?
21:55:51 SusanEttenheim: That's it!
21:55:52 margaretsmn: Thanks, you all inspire us to keep on with our projects that sometimes hit a wall when we are working alone.
21:56:06 SusanEttenheim: Peggy do you know of others like that?
21:56:19 SusanEttenheim: My students really enjoyed that and I'd like more like that
21:56:37 PeggyG: not off hand Susan
21:56:49 margaretsmn: I believe my students will want to be more collaborative since they've experienced this talk.
21:57:11 PeggyG: http://www.amazon.com/Annie-Leibovitz-Life-Through-Lens/dp/B001C71IEM/re... would this be similar?
21:57:19 SusanEttenheim: I think my students would love to share their environment nature photos in nyc!
21:57:47 SusanEttenheim: maybe - have you seen it?
21:58:02 SusanEttenheim: I need to make another trip to the ICP store!
21:58:02 PeggyG: no but Amazon listed it as something similar
21:58:06 margaretsmn: I've found that revision is really happening when there is publishing involved.
21:58:08 SusanEttenheim: ahhh
21:59:10 PeggyG: http://www.amazon.com/American-Photography-Leonard-Nimoy/dp/B0000DG012/r... look at this one too--American Photography DVD
21:59:35 PeggyG: so true margaretsmn!!
21:59:41 margaretsmn: I need to work on getting Youth voices unblocked.
21:59:59 PeggyG: but it seems the wider the audience the more they care about revising for publishing
22:00:20 PeggyG: I love that concept-Local Lifestyles
22:00:43 Chris Sloan: I just showed Annie Liebowitz Life Through a Lens before I had them shoot family portraits.
22:00:48 SusanEttenheim: yes peggy we use that website
22:00:49 PeggyG: could it be connected with the Main Street USA project?
22:01:07 SusanEttenheim: Didn't she visit your class?
22:01:08 Chris Sloan: Now I'm printing the photos and they'll make Christmas presents out of them
22:01:21 PeggyG: wonderful idea Chris!!
22:01:26 Chris Sloan: photos of the family for the family
22:01:31 SusanEttenheim: that's cute chris!
22:01:38 Chris Sloan: It's the kind of thing families appreciate.
22:01:40 SusanEttenheim: we are actually doing portraits now
22:01:57 PeggyG: awesome Kailee
22:02:05 SusanEttenheim: The students themselves came up with a series of assignments - I'll have to send them to you
22:02:14 SusanEttenheim: What's coming up in your class?
22:02:15 Chris Sloan: We're posting Google Presentations on Youth Voices about what we learned about portrait photography
22:02:27 SusanEttenheim: oh wow that's perfect for us!
22:02:30 SusanEttenheim: when?
22:02:47 Chris Sloan: The started posting today, and will finish up tomorrow.
22:02:50 SusanEttenheim: are you presenting those in class?
22:02:57 SusanEttenheim: what tags are you using?
22:03:04 SusanEttenheim: we'll leave you comments on friday
22:03:17 SusanEttenheim: thursday we have a guest who is doing large format images
22:03:18 Chris Sloan: They already presented those when we were in the middle of shooting the portraits
22:03:27 SusanEttenheim: ahh
22:03:50 Chris Sloan: but now they're posting them on Youth Voices so that others can see what they learned
22:03:54 SusanEttenheim: how do we find them and maybe we can request a video conference for a few we might have questions about/for?
22:04:14 Chris Sloan: yes, let's video conference. We'll talk more
22:04:17 SusanEttenheim: what's next in your class
22:04:38 Chris Sloan: shooting winter for one thing
22:04:44 SusanEttenheim: margaret - will you keep us in touch with the project so we can contribute?
22:04:46 Chris Sloan: they're also shooting winter sports
22:05:03 SusanEttenheim: today someone told me he was working on the four seasons project
22:05:16 SusanEttenheim: haha we don't have any winter yet...
22:05:30 Chris Sloan: yes, my students need to get their winter shot, but they have until January to do it
22:05:35 SusanEttenheim: do you post the winter assignment somewhere?
22:05:52 SusanEttenheim: hum what are you doing in the next two weeks in class?
22:06:15 Chris Sloan: we will, but again, I need to have them tag consistently
22:07:12 Chris Sloan: they're wrapping up Photoshop lessons from Classroom in a Book, and then we're moving on to learning InDesign and Illustrator.
22:07:28 SusanEttenheim: ahh what about digital photography?
22:08:06 Chris Sloan: They'll also do an abstract word assignment. Illustrate an abstract word like joy, friendship... I've got more of a description
22:09:33 SusanEttenheim: ok :)
22:09:42 SusanEttenheim: thanks for joining us peggy!
22:09:46 Chris Sloan: we did it last year too Susan, they're on Youth Voices. I'll send you some links
22:09:56 SusanEttenheim: and margaret keep in touch!
22:09:56 PeggyG: great show!! thanks everyone!!
22:10:07 Chris Sloan: thanks Peggy
22:10:17 PeggyG: see you next week
22:10:19 Chris Sloan: Looking forward to talking more about the book Margaret
22:10:20 margaretsmn: will do. thanks:)


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Seattle: Ristorante Picolinos
Editor's note: Please welcome Adam Lindsley of This Is Pizza, chiming in from Seattle. Want to know more about Adam? Start here.
Ristorante Picolinos
6415 32nd Avenue NW, Seattle WA 98117 (map); 206-781-8000
Pizza style: Neapolitan
Oven type: Gas-assist wood oven
The skinny: By the book VPN-certified pies served happily alongside more creative topping choices
Price: 12-inch pizzas, $8-$10 lunch, $11-$17 dinner
It's a good time to be a pizza-lover in Ballard. This small Scandinavian-founded neighborhood tucked into the northwest corner of Seattle can boast, among its numerous lavishly-praised restaurants, three of the most highly regarded pizzerias in the city: Delancey on NW 70th, Veraci on NW Market, and Ristorante Picolinos on 32nd Avenue NW. For those seeking Neapolitan-style pies, Picolinos (loosely translated as "little darlings") is an excellent choice.
No further proof is needed once the classic Margherita hits the table. All the telltale signs are there: the golden, blistered, paper-thin crust; the well-charred undercarriage; the simple yet sweet San Marzano tomato sauce; the dollops of fresh, creamy mozzarella; the leaves of fragrant basil, darkened to a forest green in the domed wood-burning oven; and the sheen of the olive oil poured judiciously over the entire tapestry. Bite into it and your tongue will finish the tale that started with your eyes: this is expertly crafted pizza from a pizzaiolo well-acquainted with the flavors of Naples.
Consistency can be a little shaky, but nothing to worry too much about. On one visit the pizzaiolo was quite liberal with the basil, distributing it evenly over the whole pie, but on a separate dinner each slice had been rationed a single small leaf. The cornicione one night was a tad on the dense side, lacking any puffiness, but at lunch the next day it boasted an airy, open crumb. Thankfully, the flavors are dependably solid day in and day out, and the surprisingly generous bowl of freshly grated Parmesan they give you with every meal only serves to enhance them.
The restaurant...pardon, ristorante...is half a block long, and just as enormous inside as you would expect it be, with multiple dining rooms and lounges stretching from one end of the beautiful brick building to the other. The walls are practically sagging with art, photographs, light fixtures, maps, and even a mounted deer head. And the food at Picolinos is as stylistically broad as the decor.
Take the Picolinos, the restaurant's namesake pie—and its most baffling one. On a bed of the familiar Neapolitan crust and red sauce is a smattering of pellet-sausage and greasy red pepperoni straight out of any American pizza parlor. The meaty punch the Picolinos delivers is more likely to take you back to the pizzas of your youth than it is to evoke anything Neapolitan. Odd, then, that the owners chose this particular pie to bear their name, especially when they so prominently advertise their Vera Pizza Napoletana certification.
Regardless, I appreciate that Ristorante Picolinos takes some chances and steps outside the rigid VPN boundaries. And no further step could be taken than their four "New World Pizzas," all of which offer toppings Anthony Mangieri would slit his wrists before serving.
The Alla Salsiccia di Agnello I ordered came uncut and oval, not round, topped with a balsamic vinegar reduction, gorgonzola, dates, pine nuts, and grilled lamb sausage. As you may have guessed, this is a rich pizza, so much so that I can't imagine anyone eating more than one slice of it, but that's not to say it isn't delicious (because it is). The piquant gorgonzola is front and center on the palate here, with notes of the balsamic reduction playing on the back of the tongue. The dates alone are overpoweringly sugary, but coupled with the hearty lamb balance out nicely, creating a sweet-and-savory marriage of flavors that couldn't work better. It's a pity that the sausage is sliced, but it's still very flavorful, and without a hint of gaminess. If dates and lamb aren't your thing, try one of the other pies in this category: chopped clams, sauteed prawns, and sweet mango all make appearances.
In stark contrast, the Marinara pie couldn't be simpler, with only oregano and garlic added to the sauce and crust. Though it's only a couple steps away from the Margherita, it tastes nothing like it, with a strong garlic presence that isn't overbearing. Refreshing.
Can't decide what to order? Then the Quattro Stagioni is for you. This pie is divided into quarters, with each segment devoted to one type of pizza or topping. You have a quarter of a Margherita, a quarter topped with a thin and salty salami, a quarter topped with sliced Italian ham, and a quarter topped with mushrooms. Only the Italian ham quadrant disappointed; the ham was slightly too thick, leaving it chewy and slimy, whereas I would have preferred thin and crispy (like the fantastic salami). The mushrooms acted like scrumptious little sponges, soaking up the flavors of the tomatoes, olive oil, and the grease runoff from the salami territory.
Upon closer inspection of the oven, I discovered that it is not heated solely by a pyre of burning wood, but instead augmented by gas flames shooting up behind a grate at the back of the dome. The oven's floor is also regulated electronically so that it never drops below the low 500s.
In the upcoming winter, the owners of Picolinos are going to open the back patio and fire up the wood-burning oven they had constructed and shipped over from Naples. The oven's builder, Dino Santonicola, should be manning it as well. Who else could be better suited for the job? Born in Naples, he grew up making pies in several different pizzerias before moving to the states and establishing Via Tribunali, another VPN-certified pizzeria here in Seattle. Plus, he left his name right on the front of the oven. You know, so as not to confuse it with anyone else's oven that might be lying around.
Ristorante Picolinos offers something for everyone, whether you're craving traditional Neapolitan fare or something a tad more adventurous. If the packed house at 8:30pm on a Thursday night was any indication, Picolinos is a neighborhood favorite, and rightly so.
More Slices of Seattle
Adam Kuban Reviews Via Tribunali »
A Visit to Tutta Bella »
Daniel Zemans Checks Out Serious Pie »
Delancey: Seattle's Great Pizza Hope »
And in Spokane...
Trip to Bennidito's Is A Piece of Crust Heaven »
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Back in the 1990s, the editors of Worth magazine (including myself) invited celebrated financial journalist Joe Nocera (then an editor at Fortune magazine, where he eventually rose to editorial director, and now a columnist at The New York Times, and author of "All the Devils Are Here" about the 2007 mortgage meltdown) to talk to us about the investing habits of our Baby Boom generation.
His message was radical at the time (and probably still is): Contrary to the prevailing notion that the "Me" Generation was simply a bunch of irresponsible spendthrifts, Nocera argued that the Baby Boomers' approach to finance was a perfectly rational response to the financial markets we grew up with. In the same way that our parents (who were young during the bank failures of the Great Depression in the 1930s) had a fundamental distrust of financial institutions, we Boomers' formative years were defined by the double-digit inflation rates of the 1970s. Consequently, we learned to distrust "money," and that "buying now" was smarter than waiting until prices were even higher.
I often think of Joe's theory about us Boomers when I hear discussions about how the 2008-'09 meltdown (when the S&P Dow dropped from 10,831 to 6,547) has affected financial advisors—and wonder whether that experience will have an equally profound effect on them. Over the past year, two studies have come out that shed some light on how advisor attitudes have changed, yet I wonder whether the authors in either case have given enough weight to how much catastrophic financial events can shape investment attitudes.
First, Bob Veres surveyed 1,090 advisors toward the end of 2011 about changes in the way they manage client portfolios, post 2009. He found that some 83% were anticipating making "tactical adjustments" to their client portfolios. In contrast, back in 2005, an FPA study found that only 24% of the financial planners surveyed made "material changes" in their clients' portfolios… …based on expectations regarding changes in the market."
Both of the above studies were cited in "Financial Trauma: Why the Abandonment of Buy-and-Hold in Favor of Tactical Asset Management May be a Symptom of Posttraumatic Stress," by Bradley T. Klontz, Psy.D., CFP and Sonya L. Britt, Ph.D., CFP of Kansas State University, which was published in the Journal of Financial Therapy last year (2012 Vol. 3, Issue 2). As the title of their paper suggests, Klontz and Britt not surprisingly found significant evidence of posttraumatic stress disorder in a group of 56 financial planners who were surveyed in early 2009.
But perhaps more surprising, they concluded that the changes in advisor investment strategies (from Veres and the FPA) were the result of this stress: "In the months following the 2008 crisis, 93% of the planners surveyed reported medium to high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms… …How did the financial crisis impact financial planners' thoughts and feelings about their financial planning services? It is hypothesized that in the midst of the financial crisis, financial planners were calling into question their basic assumptions about how best to serve their clients."
Let me admit right up front that I greatly admire Sonya Britt's work at K-State. For instance, her studies of the effects of advisor stress on client behavior (as reported in the September 2012 Investment Advisor cover story "Stress Fracture") are ground breaking. But even for me, this seems like a stretch. I'm sure many advisors did experience some PTSD in the wake of 2009. Undoubtedly, more than a few advisors questioned the value they were providing to their clients. But is it really more reasonable to assume their doubt resulted from a psychological issue, rather than that the 50% hit to client portfolios (when virtually all assets classes departed from their historical correlations and fell in unison) was a good reason to rethink their portfolio management strategy?
Was it irrational for survivors of the Great Depression to question the safety of banks? Or the Boomers of the '70s to question the safety of money? I suspect that changes in the way advisors manage client portfolios today is more a matter of adding a much-needed level of risk management to their static buy-and-hold portfolios than it is a symptom of a collective mental breakdown.


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SURREY, B.C. - The RCMP officer in charge of the Surrey, B.C., detachment is trying to assure citizens they are safe, despite a spasm of shootings in 32 hours that left four men dead and one wounded.
Chief Supt. Bill Fordy made the pledge in a news release issued Tuesday that said the murders have a common, criminal theme.
"There is nothing glamorous about life in the underworld of crime," he said. "This is not television, the harsh reality is being played out here and now and is testament to the fact that the life expectancy of anyone involved in criminal gangs is very short."
He said if people involve themselves in crime, the likelihood that they'll end up dead in a ditch, or in jail, is very high.
Fordy said Surrey is safe because the majority of residents are law-abiding citizens with no involvement in criminal activity.
Sgt. Jennifer Pound, with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, said at least two of the murders were gang related.
A 27-year-old Surrey man, Manjot Dhillon, was identified as the victim of a shooting early Sunday evening.
Early Tuesday morning, 29-year-old Manjinder "Manny" Hairan was killed and a second man with him was injured.
Pound said two victims found dead in a parkade late Sunday night were both Surrey residents and both "known to police."
"IHIT can say that evidence retrieved thus far does not support this homicide to be gang related," she said in a news release.
The victims of that shooting, John McGiveron and Geordie Carlow, were both 33 years old.


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Rock Climbing
Rock climbing has a strong history in the Priest Lake area. Because you can see chimney rock from the lake, many early Priest Lake visitors talked about whether or not chimney rock would ever be climbed. Mountaineers from Seattle tried to climb the rock in 1933. They were unsuccessful, but returned the following year to put a team of 4 climbers on top. The route they took has become the standard route to the top, to this day still a hair-raising trip. Chimney Rock was soloed the following year by an ambitious climber in tennis shoes. John Booth started the approach from his parents cabin at Indian Creek bay, hiking a rough trail from the lake to the base of Chimney. He climbed up and down the rock without a rope and back to his parents cabin by nightfall. This rather alarming feat would still be considered a major event even by today's high rock climbing standards.
Chimney rock was virtually ignored until the early 70's, when the team of John Roskelley and Chris Kopszynski came on the scene. This team was the first to free climb the east face. The east face is the side we can't see from Priest Lake. This face is steeper and longer than the Priest Lake side and overhangs 15 feet at the top. As John describes it, he was lay backing up a flake when his arms tired and he started sliding down. The corduroy pants he was wearing caught on the flake just long enough for him to pound in a piton. He claims it's the first time he realized he could die in the mountains.
There are over 20 routes to the top of Chimney Rock and 2 routes of descent. The rappel chimney on the west face is the normal route of descent and can be done with one rope. The east face descent is free hanging for most of the second rappel and requires two ropes. Both routes of descent require some easy down climbing to reach the base safely. There is also a rough climbers trail that winds around the base of the north face, providing access to the east side.
A climb of Chimney Rock is an all day outing. The rock can be reached via the Mount Roothaan trailhead. It takes 2 hours from the car to the base of Chimney Rock, and 3 to 4 hours to complete the climb. A guidebook is available from Keokee press that describes the approach and the climbing routes. The book is called "Climbers guide to North Idaho and the Cabinet wilderness" written by Thaddeus Laird.
A local climbing area within 20 minutes of Priest Lake that is easily accessible is Granite Pass. Granite Pass is located on Idaho highway 57 about 12 miles north of Nordman and one mile north of Granite Falls. The road passes through cliffs that are 50 feet high. Easy to rope or lead climbs are found on both sides of the road. You can park next to the climbing and easily walk around the back of each cliff to set up top rope anchors. Most of these anchors consist of large trees, but some chain anchors are in place.
The classic route here is Spider in the Crux, a bolted sport climb that was first climbed in 1995 by Charlie Sassara. This striking line is located on the buttress on the right side of the road as you drive north. It was top-roped for many years by slinging 2 large boulders at the top for anchors. Local bolters equipped the route, but before they could complete the first lead of the climb, on a warm August evening, Alaskan ace and climbing guide Sassara led the route.
The newest area to be developed is Lions Head. This granite spire is twice as high as Chimney Rock and just as steep. Charlie Sassara was on scene here as well, establishing the first ascent of the west face, a climb he calls The Fugitive. The north face route, a route called Lion Tamer, is the longest climbing route in the Selkirk mountains. Only a handful of climbers have ventured onto the north face, a free climb since 1991.


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Open meeting set to discuss Gidding Street post office closure
July 10, 2009
Freedom New Mexico
The postal service is holding an open house meeting to seek public feedback and discuss the possible consolidation of Clovis' Gidding Street post office.
The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. July 16 at 417 Gidding Street.
In April, postal officials said the Gidding office was being considered for closure as a cost saving measure to battle dropping revenues and rising costs.


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Basilisk Publish 4 Merge
October 25th 2013
The SWGEmu Team
Basilisk Publish 4 Merge - November 4th 2013
On Monday, November 4th, (exact time will be added later), Basilisk will be taken offline. Unfortunately we do not have an ETA on when it will be back. During this time, the code from Nova will be merged with the Basilisk code.
This means that any changes that were made on Nova, will now be on Basilisk.
As it is with every merge, its expected to be unstable for the next week or so and bugs are inevitably gone pop up. Any and all bugs found should be reported on our Bug Tracker (Mantis). If you don't know how to report bugs, you can find more info here.
Basilisk patch notes will be added at the beginning of the merge.
We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your continuous support. We hope to see you on Basilisk as soon as it's back online.
- If you need support please submit a ticket to support.
- As always TC: Nova and Basilisk server status are available on our front page www.swgemu.com or on our IRC #serverstatus channel.
~ The SWGEmu Team


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Product Information
- Description
An image of original factory product key code will be delivered via email to your provided email address for your convenience. Upon request the keycode and / or the original packaging with Certificate of Authenticity can be mailed to you. SoftwareMedia stores your keycode which can be accessed anytime under My Account in case you ever need to authenticate the purchase of a genuine license. For more info check out our FAQ PageTrend Micro Worry Free Business Security Advanced Edition through the Trend Micro License Program. Price Level for 2-25 users. Maintenance for 1 Year
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security solutions provide a safer smarter and simpler way to protect your business assets. Unlike other antivirus and antispam solutions Worry-Free Business Security solutions are powered by the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network. This next-generation security infrastructure provides a unique approach to blocking viruses spyware spam and web threats before they reach your business -it's like having a global neighborhood watch.
This Advanced Edition includes everything in the Standard Edition plus provides protection for Microsoft Exchange Servers and integrated messaging protection for Windows Small Business Servers and Essential Business Servers. The Advanced Edition also includes InterScan Messaging Hosted Security Standard to stop spam before it reaches your network.
- Identifies and blocks new and emerging threats before they impact your business
- Protects without affecting your performance or speed
- Virus scans run in the background so your computers are unaffected
- Stops viruses spyware and other web threats before they can reach your business
- Data loss prevention stops private business information from being shared via USB drives and other attached storage devices as well as in email messages
- URL filtering keeps employees from inappropriate and infected websites
- Specifically designed for businesses with limited IT staff
- Easy to install and use no IT expertise required
- Security status at-a-glance and easy-to-read security reports
Licensing & Requirements
To qualify for this price you must purchase a minimum of 2 licenses. This license comes with 1 year of maintenance. This consists of one year of pattern updates product updates and telephone and online technical support.
- Specifications
Brand Trend Micro Product Type Full Version License Package Type License with Support Edition Advanced Platform PC System Requirements Windows 2000 SP3 & SP4 Windows SBS 2000 & SP1a 2003 (includes Storage Server 2003) & SP1R2 2008 Windows XP Pro and SP2 or later Vista SP1 and SP2 Windows Server 2003 2008 Windows Essential Business Server 2008 License Type License


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We Try Burgerville's Chocolate Hazelnut Milkshake
Keeping tabs on the chains.
Many is the time I have sat and wondered how I can cram more Nutella into my diet. That glorious blend of hazelnuts and chocolate turns just about everything it touches into something even the most mild mannered will horf down in an animalistic frenzy. Such then is the genius of Pacific Northwest-based fast-food chain Burgerville in finding a way to bring a combination of chocolate and hazelnuts to its menu. And while Burgerville isn't using any actual Nutella here, the spirit of the transcendent spread is alive and well in the delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Milkshake.
Arriving just once a year for a brief period starting in early January, the Chocolate Hazelnut Milkshake takes the regional chain's regular chocolate shake (Sunshine Dairy vanilla ice cream + chocolate syrup) and goes to town with it. Not only is a hazelnut syrup incorporated into the mix, but also ground dry-roasted Oregon-grown hazelnuts. The blend is then topped off with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of hazelnut flecks.
The addition of the hazelnuts and hazelnut syrup amps up the overall richness of the milkshake, though thankfully not nearly to the ridiculous levels seen in Burgerville's seasonal pumpkin shake. It's thick, yes, but very drinkable—you can also order a thinner "smoothie" version made with frozen yogurt. The flavor bears some inarguable similarities to Nutella without directly aping it; think Nutella diluted with chocolate milk.
A textural note should be pointed out: Tiny shards of ground hazelnut contrast distinctly with the creaminess of the milkshake's base, and your tolerance of this disparity will likely depend on your viewpoint of nuts in desserts. With a few notable exceptions such as pecan pie or butter pecan ice cream, I tend to dislike nuts in my sweet treats, and personally I didn't care for the hazelnut flecks here. Hardly a deal-breaker, though, and they're not so obtrusive that they should prevent you from giving this limited-edition shake a try.
1122 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214 (map) 503-230-0479; more locations listed at burgerville.com
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Avon Valley Woolblend Berber Style Carpet with a choice of seven plain and ten stripe options. Offered with a 10 year warranty, this carpet is suitable for heavy wear domestic areas, including stairs.
Made from a blend of wool and StainBeater polypropylene yarn, this carpet has a woven secondary backing, requiring the use of a separate underlay.
Avon Valley Britford Stripe is available in a choice of 5 shades and is complemented by a range of plain neutral shades in the Bickton Plains collection.
Suitable for heavy domestic and light contract areas.
£14.99 square metre ex-VAT
Delivery to most UK mainland areas is £9.95 regardless of quantity and order size, with the exception of IOW postcodes PO30 upwards and Scottish postcodes AB (all) IV (all) KW (all) PA20 upwards PH15 upwards where the delivery cost is £24.95
Most underlay and accessory orders* placed before 3.00 PM Monday - Friday using our standard delivery service are despatched the same day and delivered within 2-3 working days, although we do recommend allowing a little extra time to allow for unforeseen circumstances. Outlying and remote areas may take a little longer, again do allow sufficient time.
Our delivery area is mainland England, Wales and Scotland. For offshore and Northern Ireland deliveries, please contact us for a delivery quote.
Delivery upgrades for underlays and accessories only are available as follows:-
PREMIUM DELIVERY Usually next working day - or on a date you request, Monday to Friday, this applies to England, Wales, Southern & Central Scotland mainland postcodes +£5.00
PRIORITY DELIVERY Before 1.00 pm Monday to Friday, next day or on a day you request, to England, Wales & Southern Scotland mainland only +£15.00
SATURDAY DELIVERY England, Wales and Southern Scotland only +£35.00
To upgrade your delivery PLEASE CLICK HERE
Conditions apply:- Delivery Upgrades constitute a service aim achieved for around 98% of orders and not a guaranteed service as there are occasionally circumstances outside of our control, such as adverse weather conditions, road closures, mechanical breakdown and other possibilities. We would always recommend that you order in good time for your requirements and not book trades people until the goods are in your poseession.
Orders for our range of carpets take a little longer for processing and delivery. You will be contacted as soon as the items are ready for despatch and a proposed delivery date will be arranged with you
Please see our full Terms and Conditions for more information.
How much underlay do I need?
Sometimes less than the amount of carpet needed. This is because when ordering a carpet you would normally choose the appropriate width available and there may be a little waste. But underlay is meant to be cut and joined, you can therefore order an amount closer to the actual size of the area.
How do I join underlay?
It is always best to tape joins to avoid movement, both during and after installation. A cloth single sided tape is best, but a budget priced tape will often suffice.
Which way up do I lay the underlay?
If there is a printed side, then this is usually laid uppermost. If there is no printing, but one side is relatively plain and the other side coloured, it is usually the plain side uppermost. If the underlay has a paper backing, this is laid uppermost.
Woolblend pile striped berber style carpet
£14.99 ex-VAT sq. mtr with FREE underlay
Foam Underlay
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FREE Underlay
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Melbourne CBD Pub Crawl
Melbourne CBD
Details with ticket
★ All ticket holders agree to the PCM Terms of Use. Registration location and detailed instructions confirmed after booking, and via email ticket confirmation. ★ Q: Why is the itinerary a secret? A: This is for both quality control and crowd control, and also part of the fun. Meeting location is included with ticket confirmation. Tickets can not be purchased at the event. Q: What does my $24 get me? A: 4 of Melbournes greatest hot-spots, free drinks & drink specials, 100% free admissions, like-minded people, awesome guides, and an unforgettable night out in Melbourne! Q: What are the bars like? A: Events begin in bars with a relatively relaxed atmosphere, and then increase in intensity. Q: Is there transportation between the venues? A: There is not, but no worries: all venues are within close walking distance. Q: How many others will be attending? A: As many as we can fit, though we do have a limit. Q: What time does the last venue close? A: 5:00 AM (and sometimes later). Q: What time do we arrive at the last venue? A: Approximately 11:30 PM. Q: How far do we walk between bars? A: The venues are close to each other. About 3 minutes. Q: Can I arrive late to the event? A: Late admissions can not be accepted. Do arrive on time. Q: Is there a dress code? A: Neat fitting, trendy attire is good. No athletic shoes, hoodies, shorts, thongs/flip flops, tank tops, or baseball caps. PCM is not responsible for denied admissions due to inappropriate attire. Q: What if it is raining? ☂ A: Guests are encouraged to check the weather forecast beforehand, and prepare accordingly. Q: What kind of free drinks/specials do we get? A: We receive exclusive pub crawl only drink deals that vary by location such as: complimentary drinks, a free shot with your drink, and buy one get one free drinks! Q: Is there an age restriction? A: You must be 18+ to enjoy this night out. Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: Cancellations must be made no later than 48 hours prior to the event in order to be eligible for transfer or refund. Bookings created within 48 hours of an event are non-transferable/non-refundable.


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Jaw-dropping news from Jen Aniston!
The Friends actress confessed to daytime talk show host and gal pal Ellen DeGeneres that she's joined the Mile High Club - and not just once!
The two friends played a game of Never Have I Ever on Ellen's show on Wednesday where Aniston admitted to enjoying a little lovin' while travelling on a flight. It's not clear whether or not her salacious relations were with hubby Justin Theroux, but the audience didn't seem to care.
Ellen got straight into the game asking Aniston: "Never have I ever joined the Mile High Club..." to which both celebs raised their paddle with the "I have" side facing the camera. The audience shrieked.
Then Ellen said: "Never have I joined the Mile High Club in the cockpit...".
Aniston, sheep faced lifted her paddle up again with the "I have" side up facing the camera while Ellen's side said: "I have never."
Aniston then went on to admit she'd joined the Mile High Club with "the pilot", "the co-pilot" and a "flight attendant," leaving everyone reeling.
When Ellen probed further: "...while eating a mini bag of peanuts?" Aniston replied: "What? No, well that's just disgusting!"
Aniston may have surprised many with her answers but she's not bucking the trend. According to a new survey, one in five travellers say they have done the dirty deed, in-flight.
tap here to see other videos from our team.


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Now many of you who are looking to actually live in a Tiny House have some level of awareness of this cultural phenomenon we know as consumerism. It essentially functions by creating social pressures to buy more stuff, our culture has an instilled mentality that we need more stuff to be happy.
The more stuff, the more happiness right? Wrong. Studies have actually shown that the purchase of stuff gives us a quick high, but ultimately leaves us even more unhappy. Buying more stuff means we need to work more to pay for it, we incur more debt. All of these things bring stress, give us less time to relax, time away from family and friends and when we do have free time, we are hounded by collection agencies. When we move into a Tiny House, we need to reduce the amount of things we need to fit in, this actually reduces stress, focuses us on what is important and create greater value for what little we do have.
I encourage you to have some time set aside to do some introspection. During that time consider what you have purchased over the last month using receipts and a spreadsheet. I have seen it a million times, people who don't track it, don't realize how bad the problem is. This is a pretty well document phenomenon. Studies have shown that when people track things, they typically spend 1/3 less, just by tracking it!
It has taken me a long time to really weed through my subconscious to get to a point where I can realize when these deep rooted influences are pushing me to buy something. I have been on this journey now for 2 years and still am struggling with it. I do intentionally strike a balance between separation of consumer culture and still staying generally socially acceptable. Clothing for example is a big societal function, fashions and trends drive us to buy more and I think many have a hard time breaking this cycle.
Now it is true, men's clothing is easier to do this with, but I still believe anyone can do it. My clothes literally can fit in a big suitcase, all of them. I own 1 suit, 3 pairs of pants, 2 shorts, 10 shirts, 15 undershirts, 30 pairs of socks, 30 pairs of underwear, 3 work shirts, 3 shirt that get dirty, 2 pajama pants, a hat, rain jacket, winter jacket, one pair of dress shoes, one pair of running shoes, and one pair of garden shoes. I have also worked to be able to work from home or a job that I can dress casually, this drastically reduces the amount of clothes and limits social pressures.
So today start looking at what you have spent, take some time to think about how these cultural norms influence you behavior and check out the story of stuff to help understand these mechanisms.


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Purchase Flames Club Spring Game Meal Tickets here
During Liberty's annual Spring Football Game on Saturday, the Flames Club will open the Club Pavilion of the Williams Stadium Tower to its membership.
The Flames Club will host a tailgate-style meal in the Club Pavilion (third floor) for members at all Flames Club levels. Doors will open at Noon and the Club Pavilion will be open until 1:30 p.m.
The tailgate-style meal will include hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, cookies and brownies.
Flames Club members can purchase their tickets for the event in advance for $5 by clicking here (must use special offer code), calling 434-582-SEAT (7328) or visit the Flames Ticket Office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Children age five and under are free.
Tickets purchased after 5 p.m. on Wednesday will cost Flames Club members $10 and will be available until they are sold out.
Liberty's annual Spring Football Game will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Williams Stadium. Prior to the event, the Liberty University Athletics Department will be selling discounted authentic Liberty football game day gear at the Flames Football Yard Sale (click here for more information).
Liberty's annual spring football game is open to the public and is free of charge.
Purchase Football Season Tickets – Free Gift! Fans who purchase their 2013 season tickets at or during Liberty's annual Spring Football Game will receive a free Flames Club blanket, car flag, or two Tervis tumblers, while supplies last.
Ticket prices and Flames Club membership qualifiers are unchanged from last year. Seats will be assigned beginning with the Flames Club Director's Day seat selection event on June 27.
Season ticket seat locations will be determined, first by Flames Club membership levels, then Flames Club Loyalty Points and last by date of ticket purchase.
Call 434-582-CLUB (2582), email firstname.lastname@example.com or visit the Flames Club office on the second floor of the Williams Stadium Tower to purchase tickets before the Spring Football Game.
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A Farewell in Paris
Paul A. Myers
Paul A. Myers Books, $10.99 paper (236p) ISBN 978-1-4811-0046-5
Kurt and Bill are expat Americans living in Paris after WWI. Kurt is working as a Berlin correspondent and Bill is a literary agent. Kurt is also writing a novel about his experiences as a soldier in the war. While Kurt works on his book, Bill falls for Kate, an American writer who is also living in Paris. Surrounding them are the intellectual lions of the time —Djuna Barnes, André Breton, Man Ray—as well as the lively lesbian enclave of the Left Bank. Kurt and Djuna fall in love, but as fascism starts to rise in Germany, he dies and his manuscript is incinerated with him, leaving friends broken on the edge of uncertain times. In this lively novel, Myers clearly demonstrates his familiarity with the intellectual culture of Paris in the 1920s. However, he seems less certain about the characters he's created. Although they inhabit a detailed world full of richly portrayed geniuses, they do little more than flatly predict the failure of the armistice and the rise of fascism. While Myers has a consummate understanding of his setting, he hasn't matched it with a compelling story.
Brain: The Man Who Wrote the Book that Changed the World
Dermot Davis
Expression Unleashed, $9.59 paper (217p) ISBN 978-0-9844181-3-8
Daniel Waterstone is struggling to write the great American novel. While his agent, Suzanne, believes he has talent, his books have no commercial success. In a fit of despair at the state of modern literature, he decides to write a parody of a self-help book under a pseudonym. This is the book that becomes a bestseller. While he knows it's wrong, Daniel assumes the identity of his pen name—Charles Spectrum, self-help guru—finding it impossible to say no to the money and the prestige. He falls for a woman named Clare, who found his book helpful, but he remains disdainful of the rest of his fans until Clare takes him to meet some of the people he's helped. As Daniel becomes overwhelmed by the guru business, Suzanne's thug brother, Jack, tries to kill him and he realizes the only way he will ever be free is to reveal his hoax on national television. Daniel is an affable protagonist—a bit self-obsessed, but basically decent. Davis's novel is an entertaining farce about modern society, a deft, fast-paced tale that will leave self-aware readers giggling. This is an entertaining book that will reward readers.
Dogs Aren't Men
Billi Tiner
CreateSpace, $10.50 paper (266p) ISBN 978-1-4904-1245-0
Rebecca Miller is a veterinarian who is happy with her life and her animals. Her mother, however, would like to see her married sooner rather than later. Rebecca doesn't think this is likely until she meets Derrick Peterson. While she and Derrick—who likes to keep his relationships casual—dance around their feelings for each other, Rebecca is threatened by Dalton, her secretary's abusive boyfriend. Dalton is eventually arrested, but just when they think they're safe, tragedy strikes and Derrick almost loses Rebecca, forcing him to confront his feelings and admit his love. Tiner—whose experience with veterinary medicine is clear—has written a quality entry in the romance genre. While her male characters are basic romantic archetypes, readers will appreciate the book's steady pace, well-constructed story, and genial style.
Eternidad: Cimmerian Rising
B. Thomas Harwood
Herschel-Floyd, $12.99 paper (250p) ISBN 978-0-9893750-0-9
The dark plans of a 2,500-year-old tyrant, Jeringas Mortifer, and his sinister assistant, the Soul Collector, kick off this new fantasy series set in the 12th century with a tone of dread. Captive clairvoyant Azura reports that recently discovered stone tablets foretell of a challenger to his rule, and Mortifer sends the Soul Collector in search of Peiman, the one seer who can properly decipher the tablets. Harwood skillfully keeps this tale of legend and myth grounded in reality. Simple fishermen Capt. Pieter Thomas and first mate Franklin Smit of Statia—who think the European imperial powers could easily smash Mortifer—provide another link to the real world. Meanwhile, the determination of the newly freed inhabitants of Camahogne to preserve their liberty and the Soul Collector's solicitation of aid from a vampire colony suggest that a protracted struggle between the powers of light and darkness looms. Hardcore fantasy fans will relish this witch's brew of the macabre and the fantastic.
Kevin Bohacz
C Prompt, $14.95 paper (516p) ISBN 978-0-9791815-1-1
When human extinctions occur in South America and spread worldwide, paleobiologist and genetic researcher Mark Freedman senses a connection to the Chromatium Omri bacteria, the oldest known life form on Earth linked to previous extinctions. The growing virulence in the "kill zones" spurs Freedman to join forces with Kathy Morrison, expert on viral and bacterial pathogens with the Centers for Disease Control. Despite personal losses, Freedman and Morrison find romance and make discoveries about the devastation and what lies behind it. Other colorful characters include dedicated policewoman Sarah Mayfair, whose horrific dreams and improbable survival enable contact with the forces behind the outbreaks; cynical Gen. James McKafferty, committed to preserving the U.S. at whatever cost; and Artie Hartman, goaded by his wife's death to wage war on gangs and government forces indiscriminately. The seemingly random attacks and emergence of chaos allow Bohacz to explore such themes as whether humanity deserves to survive, the meaning of being human, and the cost of perfect health and immortality. The originality of Bohacz's ideas is nearly equaled by detailed descriptions of a decontamination lab, the frenzied search for answers, and the aftermath of destruction. His vision of a humanity that faces the need to evolve profoundly or face certain destruction is as timely as today's news and as chilling a doomsday scenario as any ecological catastrophe can suggest.
Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate
Alexis Rankin Popik
Aucoot, $14 paper (190p) ISBN 978-0-9858395-0-5
Clare Stone has been happily married to Richard for years. They have a wonderful home, and he is a powerful and charismatic attorney mid-1990s Los Angeles. When Richard disappears, Clare is terrified. Whe he reappears, in an emergency room, he is clearly manic. Together they learn that he suffers from bipolar disorder, which runs in his family and caused his mother to commit suicide. Slowly, they rebuild their life together and restore their trust in each other. Popik presents bipolar disorder without condescension or exploitation. While readers may find the appearance of an antagonistic ex-husband of a client of Richard's distracting from the central story, they will forgive it for the intimacy of the rest of the tale.
On the Death Beat
JS Bateman
CreateSpace, $11.99 paper (282p) ISBN 978-1-4910-4317-2
This uninspired marriage of dark humor and criminal psychology robs suspense from a genre demanding sensationalism. Characters with petty motivations are stripped of believability in Bateman's flimsily constructed narrative. Hoping for membership in the International Great Obituary Writer's Hall of Fame, journalist Jason murders folks in Logan, Utah, for good copy. Graduating from elderly belly dancer Ina Golightly and war veteran Claude "Boots" Hopper to more challenging prey, Jason plays a game of wits with Det. Dan Sheets, leaving a bloody trail of corpses in his wake and then reporting on it. Will Jason make a fatal error as he spars with forensics specialists and frustrated police or will murder truly pay? Awkward point-of-view shifts between wooden characters further hamper the novel. Jason's desires lack the passion or conviction required to emotionally justify his crimes. The result is a diluted thriller unable to arouse delight or dread.
Karen Kelly
Legitur, $28.95 paper (388p) ISBN 978-0-9893200-0-9
After her husband dies in WWII, Caroline Hunt takes her daughters to her childhood home of Salem, Mass. There, she unexpectedly reconnects with Tom, an old love, and they are soon wed. Her daughters—teenage Dinah and young Jemima—gain a stepbrother in high school athlete Tru. Tru and Dinah are immediately attracted to each other, and while Tru tries to do the right thing, the attraction proves irresistible. Kelly's novel is well paced and features deftly drawn characters and a superb sense of setting that will immerse readers in Salem of the 1950s. While the eventual tragedy is a bit contrived, it serves to make readers more attached to Tru and Dinah, despite their unconventional relationship.
Nancy Young
Inkwater, $18.95 paper (380p) ISBN 978-1-59299-937-8
Mysticism and natural beauty pervade Young's novel as different generations of a family derive spiritual direction from music. Led by a dream of a melody, Bernard in 1954 visits a deserted Canadian lumber town and in an abandoned church discovers a venerable guitar similar to one from his dream. Bernard's reference to "divine intervention" sets the tone as other family members find the events of their lives guided by the strum of fate and the redemptive powers of music. Young's intense focus on the natural world provides imagery of glistening beauty, even as the narrative pace drags. But her scrutiny of the internal life of characters makes external incidents seem less relevant. Solid dialogue provides character development, but the overall atmosphere of hushed reverence and the author's overwriting overwhelm the novel.
The North Building
Jefferson Flanders
Munroe Hill, $15.50 paper (430p) ISBN 978-0-9887840-8-6
All the elements of an entertaining historical thriller are present in Flanders's novel, as war-weary foreign correspondent Dennis Collins returns from Korea in 1951 to an increasingly paranoid America. Back in New York, where Collins finds his newspaper closed, an old friend advises him to tone down criticism of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's strategy in Korea to avoid getting swept up in the Red Scare. Unfortunately, Collins's experiences are more often told than shown. Flanders sets scenes like a popular historian rather than a novelist, using dialogue to move plot in a manner that's often leaden and obvious. It takes the author a long time to reach the book's central conflict—Collins is caught up in Cold War espionage and intrigue—and the novel gets bogged down in a slow romantic subplot. A long-delayed confrontation and its aftermath demonstrate how all the right elements for a taut thriller can unravel without tight plotting.
The Roche Limit
Jonas Vesterberg
Exilio, $16.95 paper (244p) ISBN 978-0-615-80145-2
A dying agent's cryptic disclosure leads U.S. Army Maj. Bob Faller to reconsider his patriotic philosophy and life's work in this reflective if ultimately uneven espionage thriller. A humane man overwhelmed by American decline, Faller finds his world view challenged in a meeting with amputee billionaire Sheldon Orelson, who warns that the Roche Limit rule of the more powerful always prevailing applies to both Earthly power games and astronomy. Faller's increasingly unsatisfactory encounters with a decaying, inequitable society engender an angst only heightened by injustice and corruption. As he seeks answers to the death of informant Mahmoud, who was part of the covert Rogue Traveler program, and uncovers the antics of elusive agent Bethany Black-Jones, death and the collapse of his marriage provide heavy-handed symbolic parallels to his transformed understanding of America. Confrontations with various forces spur Faller to fight for the "African Muslim Communist" he once detested, and to reconcile with his politically active daughter, Jennifer. In his debut novel, Vesterberg's portrait of an extremist pulls no punches and has a lingering power.
The Light Changes
Amy Billone
Hope Street, $6.12 paper (78p) ISBN 978-0-9890740-0-1
Billone's book of poetry explores personal tragedy, recovery, and hope, but is ultimately a smattering of free verse that, at times, lacks stylistic and thematic cohesion. The major theme of the book centers on a failed suicide attempt and the emotional and psychological recovery from it. However, transitions from trauma to recovery are often haphazard. To push these transitions along, Billone utilizes the redemptive power of love and family and childhood memory. The hope-filled poems that deal with pregnancy and childbirth will likely appeal to mothers and mothers-to-be. Billone has produced a nascent work that draws its strength from the power of emotion.
America's Greatest Blunder: The Fateful Decision to Enter World War One
Burton Yale Pines
RSD, $15.50 paper (440p) ISBN 978-0-9891487-0-2
Pines provides an epic exercise in historical speculation in this detailed and thought-provoking review of the United States entry into WWI. His daring thesis, buttressed by a sweeping review of sentiment at the time, is that U.S. intervention into a war in which American interests were not threatened laid the basis for a disastrous peace agreement, a vengeful postwar spirit, and ultimately WWII and the Cold War. Contending that the Allies and Central Powers were too exhausted to continue the fight, Pines maintains that, had U.S. troops not entered the conflict, a negotiated peace would have ensued. The surrender terms imposed on Germany, he argues, led to a legacy of bitterness that helped foster subsequent Nazi rule. Pines's re-examination of the atmosphere of those times is fascinating food for thought as we approach 2014, 100 years after the start of "The War to End All Wars."
A Long Swim Upstream
Mike Feder
Federfiles, $15 paper (294p) ISBN 978-0-9894154-0-8
Radio host Mike Feder plows through his neuroses and personal terrors in these autobiographical stories that cover the highest and lowest points of his life. "Mother" chronicles Feder's long, strange relationship with his mother, her problems, and his own. The author's issues often paralyze him, and reading about his constant life-changing missteps will make the reader want to shake him by the shoulders. But there is always a payoff. Feder's real-life characters shine—particularly the would-be subway driver of "Here's Herbie"—and when he becomes passionate (e.g., when trying to save the 12-year-old Sanford Brodsky) the results are masterful. Part sit-down conversation, part autobiographic poetry slam, Feder's confessional stories may agitate and frustrate readers, but will keep them turning pages.
Me and Murder, She Wrote: My Adventures in Television with Angela Lansbury, Peter Falk, and Jerry Orbach... Among Others
Peter S. Fischer
Grove Point, $18.95 trade paper (254p) ISBN 978-0-9886571-3-7
Fischer spent more than 20 years writing scripts for TV movies and classic series like Columbo, but is best known as one of the creators of Murder, She Wrote. "In so many ways my career has been a fairy story," he writes in this account of his transformation from insurance investigator and trade magazine publisher to writer and producer at Universal Studios and now author of Hollywood-themed murder mysteries. Fischer's humorous tone and comments addressed to readers create a sense of intimacy, but the insider's view he offers is not a tell-all. For the most part, Fischer is generous with compliments for particular producers, directors, and actors, occasionally venting about big egos that sabotaged projects and industry executives. He seems stoical about the arbitrary, cutthroat nature of show businesses, attributing much of his success to lucky breaks and his ability to turn out a story quickly. Yet by pointing to creatively challenging projects and enduring friendships forged despite fears of missing deadlines, going over budget, and cancellations, he convincingly supports his argument that life becomes satisfying only when you follow a dream, however improbable.
So Many Lovely Days: The Greenwich Village Years
Mara Kirk Hart
Kirk, $15 paper (144p) ISBN 978-0-9890478-0-7
Hart (Lovecraft's New York Circle) focuses on the struggles of her parents, George Kirk and Lucile Dvorak, to maintain both a small New York City bookstore and their marriage in the 1920s and '30s. Her clear portrayal of a largely apathetic Kirk and energetic Dvorak suggests that their valiant effort to keep the Chelsea Book Shop afloat for 12 years may have collapsed even without their economic travails. Anecdotes about Prohibition and covertly stocking Joyce's Ulysses, banned then for sale in the U.S., add luster to her account of bohemian life in 1930s Greenwich Village. Hart is more concerned with a history of her family than of the times, and documents her mother's often contradictory feelings toward Kirk. Although Hart arrives at conclusions about her parents' relationship, she is also able to celebrate the couple's happy times. Perhaps most touching is her realization that one's view of any relationship—whether it be of Kirk's famous friend H.P. Lovecraft or of her own—is necessarily partial and blinkered. The author's concluding note that she will remember what she wishes to remember sustains her conviction that the truth is, indeed, whatever one wants it to be.
Tasting Home: Coming of Age in the Kitchen
Judith Newton
She Writes, $16.95 paper (311p) ISBN 978-1-938314-03-2
Judith Newton has spent her life searching for home and family while pursuing an academic career. From seeking affection from her mother and time spent in communal living to her involvement in civil rights struggles, her choice to have a child, and the death of her best friend, Newton has marked the many phases of her life with food. Each chapter of this engaging memoir includes a recipe that relates to a corresponding time in Newton's life. Readers will find her story delightful and resonant—especially given the universal relationship between food and family. This is a well-paced coming-of-age story with all the right ingredients: honesty, well-drawn characters, and plenty of insight.
The Joke's on You: How To Write Comedy
Stephen Hoover
Stephen Hoover. $12.95 paper (216p) ISBN 978-0-9897465-0-2
In this deconstruction of comedy, screenwriter and comedy writer Hoover attempts a broad survey of what makes things funny. He wants to show readers how to identify potentially amusing circumstances, relay those circumstances in humorous form, and possibly make a career out of it. He examines many forms of conventional humor and why they are successful, and encourages readers to start pursuing comedy writing. However, to quote Mark Twain, "Explaining humor is a lot like dissecting a frog, you learn a lot in the process, but in the end you kill it." Despite his attempt to provide a survey of all aspects of modern humor, Hoover has gotten so close to his subject that at times it becomes stale. He never delves deep enough into societal and film criticism to make his exploration of the evolution of the sitcom compelling, and his understanding of humor psychologically—as well as its history—is broadly drawn. Still, aspiring comedians willing to study their craft may find a lot to learn from Hoover.
The Power of Vow: Everyday Tools for Healing
Darren Littlejohn
Rainbow Light, $14.99 paper (308p) ISBN 978-0-9895260-0-5
Littlejohn (The 12-Step Buddhist) is clearly quite familiar with the worlds of both Buddhism and addiction. Like many people, he experienced frustration at the perceived Judeo-Christian bent of 12-step programs. But he didn't want to abandon the program because it was working for him. Instead, he worked to incorporate into the program key Buddhist concepts that will keep addicts on a firmer path to sobriety, alleviate suffering, and provide deeper spirituality. Littlejohn offers a number of recommended texts that readers might look to for support and specific help. However, his book is sometimes scattered. Littlejohn's writing is alternately serious and humorous—and that may prove difficult for some readers struggling with addiction. While Littlejohn offers many good points, his message is sometimes hampered by his lack of focus.
The Tsar's Treasure: The Sunken White Star Liner with a Billion Dollar Secret
Martin Bayerle and G.S. Payne
Barnburner, $28.95 hardcover (274p) ISBN 978-0-9888760-0-2
Through meticulous research, contagious passion, and admirable candor, treasure hunter Bayerle explains why he's spent much of his adult life digging for gold buried on a luxury ocean liner that sank in the Atlantic Ocean more than a century ago. The RMS Republic, part of the White Star Liner fleet (which also operated the Titanic), was struck in the early morning hours of January 23, 1909, after the S.S. Florida steamship veered 30 miles off course in heavy fog. While most of the Republic's passengers and crew were transferred to other ships and survived, the Republic eventually sank while being towed to New York City. Soon, rumors spread that a reported million dollars in gold coins had been onboard the ship. After decades of research, legal battles, failed expeditions, and personal struggles, Bayerle insists those rumors are true and makes a compelling argument why. He suspects the involvement of Russian czar Nicholas II and estimates the treasure's potential worth at $1.5 billion. Bayerle also claims to know exactly where the treasure lies and is planning a final expedition to the wreck. By reviving the story of a ship forgotten by history, he captures the political intrigue and human elements with the eye of a novelist.
Children's Books
Picture Books
Sir Francis Drake
Pat Croce, illus. by Tristan Elwell
Pirate & Maritime Research Society (www.thepiratemuseum.com), $15.95 (56p) ISBN 978-0-9897-5330-2
This companion to Blackbeard (2011) casts an earlier British seafaring rogue, Sir Frances Drake, in a dramatic light. The opening sequence sets the scene for Drake's lifelong personal vendetta against the Spanish. After a 1568 skirmish with a double-crossing Spanish viceroy in the New World, in which Drake lost ships and crew members, he "promised himself that he would never forgive or forget the Spanish treachery and one day he would enact his revenge." Author/entrepreneur Croce, who founded the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum in Florida, focuses almost exclusively on Drake's privateering (rather than other aspects of his life), detailing the brazen plundering on sea and land that earned him a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth. The meandering narrative includes a great deal of reimagined dialogue, some of which has an anachronistic ring; as Drake triumphantly arrives home on a treasure-filled galleon he seized from the Spanish, his cousin announces that the queen "will be your best friend when her eyes alight on this plunder." Elwell's art—mostly sepia sketches, complemented by several dramatic, full-color paintings—energizes this swashbuckling adventure. Ages 6–12.
Greedy Jack Wallace
Adam C. Veile
East Circle Publishing (www.TheDreamcatcherAdventures.com), $8.99 paper (180p) ISBN 978-0-9883874-0-9
This mashup of contemporary tale/high-stakes Wild West adventure/ghost story launches the Dreamcatcher Adventures series. On the last day of seventh grade, Blake Monroe is dissed by a girl he wants to date, has a run-in with his bullying nemesis, and learns that the bank is foreclosing on his family's home. Riding his horse to escape his woes, the Montana boy encounters Galloping Gray Monroe, the roguish ghost of a 19th-century bounty hunter ancestor. Gray recruits Blake for a somewhat convoluted mission that involves recovering purportedly valuable ransom for the kidnapped daughter of a Chippewa medicine man who made magical dreamcatchers in the 1800s. The action ratchets up when Gray learns that outlaw Jack Wallace—his archenemy, who also has returned as a ghost—is hell-bent on finding the long-lost ransom, too. Gray's amiable cluelessness about 21st-century life delivers some comedic punches throughout: he shoots up the TV when he feels threatened by an on-screen character and chops up utility poles for firewood. Despite the wild premise, Blake is a real-life kid whose grit and quick thinking save the day. Ages 6–12.
Gold in the Days of Summer: A Novella
Susan Pogorzelski
Brown Beagle Books (www.goldinthedaysofsummer.com), $9.99 paper (176p) ISBN 978-0-9888751-0-4
It's the summer of 1979, Annie's 13th birthday is approaching, and change is in the sweltering air—none of it welcome. It's Annie's first summer without her best friend Ava, who is away at camp; the Vietnam veteran who lives next door, a confidante and adviser, is moving away; Connor, her neighborhood crush, seems smitten by the new girl moving into the vet's house; and her grandmother is sinking into dementia, something her parents try to shield her from. Annie's soulful attempts to sort things out are insightful and realistically muddled. Pogorzelski captures the sense of a girl holding onto the last days of a waning childhood—Annie prefers her memory-stained old sneakers to a new back-to-school pair, and she pans for gold in the local creek, which holds only rocks ("maybe everything was gold if you just looked at it the right way")—but who also recognizes that her life is at a turning point and that she's growing up. Relatable family dynamics enrich this promising debut. Ages 12–18.
Finding Favor
Lana Long
CreateSpace, $10.99 paper (308p) ISBN 978-1-4903-6727-9
Long debuts with a coming-of-age melodrama inspired by Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Seventeen-year-old Favor Miller has lived with the Browns ever since her father died, but the situation is anything but ideal. Save for the younger Brown son, Ethan, they've ignored, terrorized, or treated her like an unwanted guest. The final straw comes when the tyrannical Mr. Brown makes Favor sign a contract stipulating she'll stay away from Ethan, on whom she has a crush, in exchange for college tuition. Favor must choose between her education and her heart, even as Ethan falls for another girl. Sadly, the majority of the narrative is fueled by Favor's indecision and passivity, as she bounces emotionally between Ethan and his older brother, Tom, while caught up in the Brown family's various problems. Favor acts as a spectator in her own story, devoid of action or agency, putting up with mental and emotional abuse and neglect; even Favor's hobby of horticulture does little to redeem her. A shade of the original material, this overly dramatic story doesn't distinguish itself. Ages 12–18.
Jacqueline Abelson
CreateSpace, $14.99 paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-4752-7309-0
Music is 17-year-old Charlotte Goode's life. Unfortunately, she's also coping with neurofibromatosis type II, where tumors grow along the nervous system. When the doctors discover tumors in her brain, they schedule an operation to remove them, but at the cost of Charlotte's hearing. With a month to go until the operation, she has a lifetime of music and sound to squeeze in, including judging a pair of bands for a local magazine. The stark yet emotional narrative flips between pre- and post-operation as Charlotte struggles with the life-altering event, along with family drama and the stirrings of a new relationship with a charming musician, Matthew. Abelson presents the story with complexity and delicacy, focusing more on the emotional aspect of Charlotte's situation than on the medical details; the significance and consequences of Charlotte's decisions are rendered in an almost poetic manner. While some moments and family interactions feel overwrought—Charlotte's brother-in-law is almost criminally oblivious to her feelings—Abelson offers a powerful, honest story. Ages 12–18.
The Thousand Natural Shocks
Michael Sáenz, illus. by Alex Fox
CreateSpace, $8.50 paper (204p) ISBN 978-1-4825-7740-2
In a compelling debut, Sáenz offers a clever coming-of-age period piece primarily set in 1979. At 13, Charles Siskin already knows that he's gay. Hoping to improve on "the daily tortures and humiliations of middle school," he starts his freshman year of high school at St. Ignatius Loyola, an all-boys Catholic military institution. He soon becomes an outcast; his only friends are fellow misfits, like Stuart, who lisps, and Phaedre, a student from the girls' school across the street. As Charles is tormented by homophobes and bullies, he explores his newfound gifts of creative writing and acting, winning a key role in a production of Hamlet. Likewise, he slowly explores his sexuality, leading to some awkward, even regrettable moments. When the bullies take things too far, Charles's inner strength is sorely tested. Incorporating vocabulary footnotes and whimsical New Yorker–style spot cartoons, Charles's story unfolds with sensitivity and humor, a wry tongue-in-cheek self-awareness letting his voice leap off the page. The book abruptly closes on a positive if inconclusive note, followed by an epilogue set eight years later. Ages 12–18.
Sarah Remy
Madison Place Press (www.themanhattanexiles.com), $11.99 paper (302p) ISBN 978-0-615-83021-6
In this intriguing urban fantasy, first in the Manhattan Exiles series, Remy offers up a world in which the Fae, exiled from their home realm and forced to dwell in New York City, struggle to survive while hiding in plain sight. Teenage Winter, one of the few to escape the city, acts as a consultant for the police in Washington, D.C., which is how he meets Aine, a new arrival from Faerie who was apparently kidnapped as part of a ritual. Investigating the mystery behind Aine, Winter and his allies soon discover a far more terrifying plan at work, one with deadly consequences for Fae and mortal alike. Remy's world-building is substantial and her premise interesting, with memorable characters and some significant surprises along the way, including an unexpected last-minute game changer. Some readers may feel like they're coming into a story already in progress, given how developed the characters and their situations are. That, coupled with a cliffhanger ending, gives this story an incomplete feel. Still, Remy's take on the Fae is worth exploring. Ages 12–18.


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Ben sent in photos of his Redline cross bike:
"This is my size 60cm 17.6lb Redline Conquest Pro. The frame and fork are not super light but with a full dose of Dura Ace and Zipp 303 tubulars, it still ends up pretty light.
Conquest Pro frame/fork 60cm, 12cm stem
Dura Ace drivetrain with, XT BB, XTR pedals
46/39 front, 12-25 rear
Zipp 303 tubulars
Challenge Griffos 32
King headset
Specialized Sworks Carbon H.B.
EA70 carbon post
Old Deore front / Avid Tri-Align rear brakes
I tried to like Eggbeater pedals because they are so light, but in the end, I switched back to SPD's.I built it from the ground up with the frame I got from Ross at Sun Country Bikes in TX. It has some touches I really like.
Ben's Bike Blog