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Managing millions of tasks, Todoist is one of the best online task management app and todo list. It has Web, iPhone, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Outlook flavors (and more!).
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subset: commoncrawl


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ORLANDO, Fla. -- If youre breaking off from a larger advisory firm to go it alone, consider a specialty practice, say advisors.
You gain a marketing advantage, and the more you do it, the easier it gets, Scott Oeth, a CFP from Cahill Financial Advisors in Edina, Minn., told advisors at the Financial Planning Associations annual conference in Orlando, Fla.
After working for larger firms for more than a decade, Oeth said he wanted to go out on his own, but on his terms. Building a specialty practice around corporate executives, he said, provided him with both independence and a growing business.
Having a specific group of clients allowed Oeth to focus his practice around their needs, he says.
Executives like process, for instance, and want to see issues defined as well as a roadmap charting progress and milestones: They know they cant do it all themselves, and theyre used to delegating, he explained. But they also want to be involved in decisions and appreciate collaboration.
Corporate executives also share another challenge, which Oeth calls time poverty. "They just dont have enough time in their day, so I try to make their life as easy as possible," he explained. "If we have a meeting, I try to make sure the lawyers and accountants are [there] too, so nothing has to be duplicated.
To get business, Oeth said other professionals have been his best referral sources.
They are seeing the people you want to see, and are more equipped to evaluate who is the right client for you, he said. One of my best contacts has been a human resources executive." And while he says accountants have been the exception for him, he added, "I also make a point to find out the other professionals my clients are working with and get to know them.
Study groups with other professionals have also paid dividends, Oeth added. He said he was in a once-a-month study group that at various times included lawyers, bankers, trust officers, insurance executives and financial journalists.
The idea wasnt to do cross-referrals, but to share ideas, Oeth said. Nonetheless, once we got to know each other, we did talk about clients, and it did lead to new business.
Oeth said he'd focused on organic growth after a frustrating effort to buy other practices. Theres either a problem with a personality clash, the sellers inflated multiples, or getting outbid by somebody with more money, Oeth said. I ended up with better results by growing the business myself.
He has expanded his own base in part by working with corporate clients who have less than the minimum investable assets required by other firms.
Those clients fly under the radar of the competition, but they can grow quickly, and are highly leveraged with stock options that will pay off down the road, he noted.
Oeth said he much prefers his specialized silo approach to taking a role in an ensemble practice -- something he tried when he first went independent.
Its difficult to identify who is adding value in an ensemble, he told the audience. A silo approach is also good if you want a lifestyle practice. You keep what you make and theres no finger-pointing at the end of the day.
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Call Of Duty Elite Clan Ops Now Live On PS3 And Xbox 360
Activision has announced that testing is a wrap and Clan Operations are now available for Call of Duty ELITE users on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Launching with the new content drop Overwatch (available today on Xbox 360), Clan Operations are now live for all ELITE users on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Enlistments for Clan Operations are now live on the ELITE Program Guide as well, so head over and rally your clan mates.
Check the details in the graphic below.


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A cave Property for sale in Cappadocia (Istanbul)
A beautiful property of caves and old remains of houses located at Mustafapasa Village & Town ( Old Greek Village called Sinasos Protected content . to Urgup center is for sale. Total area of 3 plots is Protected content .
I bought it years ago to built a house, than bought one plot next to it with small garden and a plot behind and had the dream of creating a small boutique hotel but now business plans have changed. There are total space for 14 rooms but ideal for 10 keeping place for utilities and other needs. Respective buyer can create a beutiful mansion or divide and make two houses if not a small hotel. Expansion possibilities are excisting. Ideal location for different means of business or leisure. Restoration is necessary and help can be provided to have good contacts for restoration and building.
150.000 Euro asking price is negotiable. Even if not restored it is a good investment opportunity.


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The ISD Mathematics curriculum aims to open the minds of students to the beauty and utility of mathematics by providing skills in mathematical modeling and problem solving. Students build a foundation of number and spatial sense upon which the concepts of geometry, algebra and number theory will be developed. The Mathematics curriculum focuses on problem solving and conceptual understanding within real and imagined situations and provides students with multiple methods of representation and communication of processes and results. Students practice using creativity responsibly, by finding multiple alternative solution methods, using available technologies and finding ways to apply these methods to authentic and relevant problems for the modern world.
Guiding Principles:
We believe that effective mathematics education is:
- relevant, both personally and globally,
- integrated and applicable across disciplines and in ordinary real life situations,
- coherent, through spiraled instruction that is built on previously mastered concepts and skills,
- engaging, using hands-on, developmentally appropriate content and methods to help learners build understanding,
- rigorous, developing core mathematical strengths,
- explorative, using open-ended tasks to encourage multiple strategies for problem-solving,
- collaborative, allowing students to work together in creative teams,
- inspirational, by empowering students to reflect on the beauty of the form and relationship of numbers and operations in the world around them.
Essential Questions
- How is math relevant to me?
- How is mathematics used to describe our world?
Mathematical Practice
- How can we be strategic mathematicians?
- How can use concrete and abstract reasoning in math?
- How do we use numerical logic to make and justify conclusions?
Numbers and Operations
- What do numbers convey?
- How are numbers related to one another?
- Why do we need mathematical operations?
- How do we use mathematics to describe patterns?
- How can we use patterns to make predictions?
- How can we use algebraic expressions to represent and solve problems?
- How can we use mathematics to describe spatial relationships?
- How can geometrical models be used to solve problems?
- How can we use mathematics to describe objects?
- How can measurement help us solve problems?
Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics
- How can we use mathematics to describe situations and events?
- How do we use data to make predictions?


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The Allman Brothers' frequent residencies at the Beacon Theatre have taken on considerable resonance over the years — acting as a clearinghouse for post-hippie memories shelved upon the breakup of the Grateful Dead, as well as a restorative dose of heads-down, no-nonsense blues-rock.
Clocking in at just over an hour, the first set was relatively restrained by the Allmans' standards: Traditionally extended songs like the opening "Statesboro Blues" were truncated–comparatively speaking, of course — while more complex instrumental interludes like the jump-blues "J.J.'s Alley" were sorely lacking in passion.
Whatever transpired during the intermission — which was filled with film clips, including some vintage Betty Boop — seemed to stoke the septet's engines. Opening with the rambling "True Gravity," the musicians began to test each other, with plenty of thrust-and-parry interaction in the three-man rhythm section.
Although Gregg Allman started the evening in good voice, his earthy growl snaking stealthily through songs like "Leave My Blues at Home," he lost steam early. As such, a fair amount of the three-hour perf was given over to instrumental jamming, including a briefly interesting, but ultimately overlong percussive interlude that cleaved "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed."
For much of the crowd, this opening night was a chance to see if Young Turk — and second-generation Allman — Derek Trucks could cut the mustard as lead guitarist. A few first-set jitters aside, he acquitted himself incredibly well, unspooling incendiary slide solos with virtually no guitar hero posing.
Trucks was particularly impressive during encore versions of "One Way Out" and "Whipping Post," for which he dispensed with the slide and delivered a surprisingly intricate solo that quoted — among other songs — "My Favorite Things." While comparatively light on Allman standards, the evening offered enough surprises to keep the fans in the tape-recording section, whose endeavors are actively encouraged by the band, rewinding for weeks to come.


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ERIC Number: ED258569
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1985-Apr
Pages: 93
Abstractor: N/A
Reference Count: N/A
Uses of Computers in Education.
Education Turnkey Systems, Inc., Falls Church, VA.
Based on a comprehensive review of the existing research reinforced by consultation with a panel of experts, this report documents the impact of computers on many aspects of elementary and secondary school operation--e.g., uses to which computers are put, student performance and attitudes, and teacher atttiudes--and also on postsecondary education. Discussions of computer uses in elementary and secondary education cover current use patterns; factors influencing computer use; regional/state, socioeconomic, and urban/rural use differences; and uses in special, vocational, and bilingual education. Projected computer use during the next decade is also discussed. Effects of computers on student academic performance and attitudes are explored via background information on current school practices, a review of the literature on the effects and effectiveness of computer assisted instruction and computer managed instruction, and projections of effects which computer use in schools may have on students. An assessment of the importance of young peoples' computer use in school for their postsecondary education prospects is also presented; this includes reviews of ways in which computer literacy is viewed in the context of computers in education, impact of computers on postsecondary education institutions, and computer literacy requirements for college entrance. Policy issues are addressed, study methodology is reviewed, and expert panel members are listed. An extensive reference list is provided. (MBR)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Bilingual Education, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Literacy, Computer Managed Instruction, Educational Policy, Educational Research, Educational Trends, Elementary Secondary Education, Futures (of Society), Higher Education, Literature Reviews, Microcomputers, Rural Urban Differences, Special Education, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Use Studies, Vocational Education
Publication Type: Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Sponsor: National Commission for Employment Policy (DOL), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Education Turnkey Systems, Inc., Falls Church, VA.


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The DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch GEL Memory Foam Mattress combines the cooling ability of gel with the cushioned support of memory foam, to deliver the quality of sleep that is on par with a similar mattress from a well-known manufacturer, but for budget-friendly price
The DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch GEL Memory Foam Mattress Features:
3" Top layer of gel memory foam, 2" middle layer of comfort foam, 7" base layer of high-density foam
Various sizes available
Washable, zippered mattress cover with fire barrier
Free gel memory foam pillow(s) with matching cover(s)
The DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch GEL Memory Foam Mattress offers the improved airflow of a gel bead embedded memory foam top layer, comfortable middle layer, and high density foam base, for a cool, comfy sleep on medium firm bedding. This mattress was made to compete with gel memory foam mattresses by other well-known manufacturers, but for much less. There is no included platform, but each mattress comes with at least one gel memory foam pillow. How do those who have slept on this DynastyMattress product feel about its quality?
The Pros of the DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch GEL Memory Foam Mattress:
This is a good quality firm mattress. This compares to a mattress from another manufacturer. This is a very firm mattress that is able to support 220 lbs of muscular human.
This mattress still holds up as beautifully as the first day, after months of use.
The price for this mattress is good enough to risk trying it out if one knows the preferred level of sleep softness. It is tough to believe how comfortable this mattress is considering the price of this mattress.
This gel memory foam mattress remains at the right temperature for sweat-free sleeping.
The accompanying gel memory foam pillows wonderfully compliment the mattress and make for pain-free, sweat-free sleeping.
There is much less tossing and turning when sleeping on this gel memory foam mattress. There is less waking up in the middle of the sleep cycle when sleeping on this DynastyMattress.
One cannot feel the movement of the other person on this mattress.
Once one is used to sleeping on this gel memory foam mattress, it becomes the best ever sleep experience.
The rolled up form in which it is delivered makes it easier to move this mattress up or down the stairs.
The scent dissipates after a few days with the fans going and windows open.
Even though full decompression of this gel memory foam mattress is said to take about 3 days, in most cases it reaches its full 12" in a matter of hours.
Dealing with customer service is a pleasure.
Back aches are a thing of the past after sleeping on this gel memory foam mattress for a month or so.
This mattress is the best replacement mattress decision ever made.
The Cons of the DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch GEL Memory Foam Mattress:
This mattress is a bit too firm, even for a firm mattress fan. This is not a good mattress for those who prefer a soft mattress. This mattress is more like an extra firm mattress than a medium firm mattress.
The movement can be felt by someone on the other side of this mattress.
The chemical scent of this mattress can still be smelled after 3 months of use, open windows and doors, and fans going. The smell of this mattress aggrevated allergies, even though it has been comfortable to sleep on otherwise.
The middle layer does not breathe, so the gel foam does not cool off as it should.
The pillows are too thick for the necks of some sleepers.
Overall, the majority of customers were thrilled with the sleep that they experienced on this gel memory foam mattress from DynastyMattress. Most of them felt that price aside, which is excellent for such a top quality mattress, that this is a really great, firm mattress. Now, the reports are that this mattress is more of an extra firm mattress, but that it is not hard. People who need a lot of support while sleeping feel that this mattress does an excellent job of it, without pressing on any pressure points or cutting off circulation. Those who suffer with back pain have noticed waking up without it after sleeping on this memory foam mattress. There was only one review out of many that said that the gel did the opposite of what it was supposed to do, when it came to the temperature. Many reviewers made a point of advising that the mattress be placed in the desired location before unpackaging it, due to how dense it is.
Customers also noted that the mattress cover is attractive and that the pillows are fantastic. The price of the DynastyMattress New Cool Breeze 12-Inch GEL Memory Foam Mattress is about a fourth of the price of the more well-known brand with which this mattress says it competes. People who prefer a soft mattress, or a just firm mattress, find this one a bit too hard. This mattress has been praised by customers who are used to sleeping on a memory foam mattress, but are now experiencing the cooling relief of the gel infusion. It has been praised by consumers who are familiar with gel memory foam sleeping. This mattress has also been highly praised by those who are first time memory foam users. There does seem to be the matter of the chemical smell. Most users say that it dissipates in about a week or less, but there are those who say that the smell still lingers after months of use and airing out. Almost everyone has stated that this mattress decompresses faster than the estimated 72 hours. Many have slept on this DynastyMattress the first night. It comes highly recommended by most who have used this gel memory foam mattress.
Leave a Reply.
Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.
March 2017


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Watch how to make this recipe.
In a shallow pan, heat oil to 350 degrees F.
Score sweet potato with a fork and microwave on high for 6 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool. Cut sweet potato in half, scoop out the flesh, and place it into a mixing bowl with the butter. Mash well. Add egg, bread crumbs, flour, salt, and pepper and mix well. Add the chives and corn and mix gently. Using 2 spoons to shape, scoop mounds into hot oil, cooking on both sides, in batches, until golden brown. With a slotted spoon or spider, remove fritters from oil and place on paper towel to dry. Mix sour cream, reserved chives, salt and pepper, to taste, and place a small dollop on each fritter when ready to serve.
A viewer or guest of the show, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. It has not been tested for home use.
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Get a sneak-peek of the new Food Network recipe page and give us your feedback.See it Now!


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Status: Open
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If you need a safe storage space. You don't have to look any further — safe, secure general storage...
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Classic Storage can be found at Oh-28 1692. The following is offered: Storage. The entry is present with us since Sep 8, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Goshen there are 1 other Storage. An overview can be found here.
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Officials: Voters IN LINE by 8 p.m. will receive ballots
MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin polls are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. but state election officials are stressing that anyone in line then will still get to vote in the state's historic recall contests.
The state Government Accountability Board has been reporting long lines and heavy turnout as Republican Gov. Scott Walker and four other GOP officeholders face recall challengers. Walker faces a rematch with Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, whom he beat in 2010 by five percentage points.
The board expects up to 65 percent of Wisconsin's eligible voters to turn out.
Board spokesman Reid Magney says anyone waiting in line when the polls close at 8 p.m. will still be allowed to register if necessary and vote.


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Ethel Williams1
Ethel Williams was born in December 1906.2 She was the daughter of Alfred Williams and Amy Hawkins.1 She immigrated to Quebec City, Quebec, with her mother Amy Hawkins and her sisters Dora Williams and Jessie Bernice Williams on 22 May 1910. They sailed from Liverpool, England on the Lake Manitoba.3 She married (--?--) Campbell.1
Last Edited=3 Feb 2014
- [S1738] Amy Williams, Death Registration 52-09-003254 (10 Mar 1952), BC Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria, British Columbia.
- [S1740] Alfred Williams, 1911 Census (Port Arthur, Thunder Bay, Ontario), Ancestry, http://www.ancestry.ca
- [S1739] "Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1935," passenger record, ancestry (www.ancestry.ca: accessed 2 Feb 2014).
- [S1741] Alfred Williams, 1921 Census (Maple Ridge, British Columbia), Ancestry, http://www.ancestry.ca


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Chapters in How to Master CCNP SWITCH
- Introduction
- Lab Equipment
- Campus Network Design
- VLANs (Virtual LANs)
- VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol)
- Private VLANs
- STP (Spanning Tree Protocol
- Rapid Spanning Tree
- MST (Multiple Spanning Tree)
- Spanning Tree Toolkit
- Etherchannel (Link Aggregation)
- InterVLAN routing
- CEF (Cisco Express Forwarding)
- SDM Templates
- Gateway Redundancy (VRRP, GLBP, HSRP)
- High Availability & Switch Virtualization
- Switch Security
Read This Book to Answer Questions Like…
What switches should I buy for my home lab or can I use an emulator like GNS3?
What is the difference between classic spanning-tree, rapid spanning-tree and multiple spanning-tree?
How do I configure my switch as a multilayer switch so it can do routing?
Why do we need gateway redundancy and what is VRRP or HSRP?
How do I configure my switches to support voice over IP or wireless networks?
If you're not happy with your purchase of any of the How to Master books, just let me know within 60 days of buying, and I'll give you your money back ASAP. No waiting. No questions asked. …No risk!
Get it Now – EbookGet it Now – Hardcopy
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ClickBank is the retailer of products on this site. CLICKBANK® is a registered trademark of Click Sales, Inc., a Delaware corporation located at 917 S. Lusk Street, Suite 200, Boise Idaho, 83706, USA and used by permission. ClickBank's role as retailer does not constitute an endorsement, approval or review of these products or any claim, statement or opinion used in promotion of these products.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332846852018-05-29T00:47:24.011-07:00THE HOUSE OF STERNBERGStewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-20510748616882715392017-08-27T08:05:00.001-07:002017-08-27T08:17:26.446-07:00Halloween In AugustComing up this Wednesday, August 30th, I will be traveling into Canada to do a reading with several other authors as part of The ChiSeries in Windsor:

I'll be there with authors Mick Ridgewell and Christine Hayton. We will be bringing Halloween to August, what a way to start off the beginning of the dark season! Besides our readings, and I promise an unsettling experience, we will also have the musical talent of Crissi Cochrane.

Join us in Windsor this coming Wednesday at the famous Phog Lounge. 157 University Ave., West Windsor. 8 pm, Free!

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-7319879253272049772017-08-25T20:59:00.004-07:002017-08-25T20:59:50.567-07:00Back Again..Yeah, it's been awhile. Just to keep you updated, along with a new promise to make an appearance here at least once a week...

I have retired from education for now, and am haunting the nights and destroying the days while working on a new book with collaborator Christine Daigle, the same poor soul who collaborated with me on The Emerald Key.

Look for more updates and musings.

The Old One is back.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-92042782874866353722015-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:002015-11-18T04:00:08.844-08:00Suckered AgainI recently became excited because I discovered Firefly, the series Fox killed in its cradle, would see a revival on Netflix. As my excitement reached a frenzy, a friend drenched me with reality, pointing out the information was a hoax. Who does stuff like that?

I decided to go exploring, just to see what other hoaxes might be out there waiting to pounce. My research delivered immediate results. The Washington Post listed its worst 15 internet hoaxes. Here are their top five, if you want to read the rest, click the link.

1. There was no three boobed girl. That's numero uno? I didn't even realize it was a thing.

2. 4chan didn't leak Emma Watson's nudes. What? Then the mystery is still unsolved,

3. That super-viral "drunk girl" video was staged. I have some ex-students...

4. Bikers didn't "surrender" the Brooklyn Bridge to pedestrians. Didn't know it was taken.

5. A disfigured 3-year-old was not kicked out of a Mississippi KFC.

Wow, Those are like the lamest hoaxes. Couldn't the prestigious journalistic team at the Washington Post have come up with something a bit more interesting? Even Mashable came up with something a bit more interesting. Remember "Bill Gates Wants to Give You Money?" What about "The Giant Camel Spiders of Iraq?" or "Hercules, the Giant Dog?" And then there was the ever popular "How to Charge an Ipod with an Onion?" All they needed was a great infomercial.

Keep in mind that I'm not talking about the sort of hoaxes your crazy uncle is going to scream about this coming Thanksgiving, you know..the political ones. I'm talking about stuff like Hercules. Who creates that sort of hoax. And why? And who believes them? Besides me? When we're talking about Firefly coming to Netflix. Hey, at least I was suckered in by something important.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-52334116966450671702015-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:002015-11-16T14:00:10.347-08:00Post Halloween Depressive DisorderAfter Halloween passes, there's always a bit of a let down for lovers of horror and genre. We put away our orange and black streamers and throw out the pumpkins. Decorations are carefully boxed, and some of us head off for the Halloween Store the day after so we can enjoy the 50% off sale for items for next year.

So what's the best way to cope heading into mid-November, feeling the press of Thanksgiving and Christmas? After all that anticipation, how do we deal with the After-Halloween-Blues?

Here are five suggestions, although I'm not sure any of them will really do the job, but let me know if you have others.

1) Embrace the coming holidays. Whether it's Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, Festivus, or New Years Eve, just enjoy it. Maybe try leaving out your Halloween stuff, but add a bit of glitter. Got a zombie on the front porch? Give him a sparkly wreath or a Santa Hat. Got a hand of glory? Eight fingers make a great menorah.

2) Form a Post-Halloween Support Group for PHDD (Post Halloween Depressive Disorder). Why not a twelve step group for after Halloween? "My name is Stewart, and I'm a Post Halloween Depressive." Hi, Stewart! "It's twelve days after Halloween, and I keep turning on the porch light and looking for kids. The police have started driving by real slow."

3) Denial. Okay. Forget everyone else and the endless holiday commercials on TV. As far as you're concerned, it's still October 31st, and it's going to stay that way until next September, when you're legally able to anticipate Halloween. The only break you may be the Superbowl. But that's it. (and maybe Valentines Day...and St. Patrick's Day...maybe April Fools Day, and Aunt Margie's birthday...but that's it!!!)

4) Overdose..purge it from the system. I know you don't think it possible, but consider it aversion therapy for Halloween fanaticism. Force yourself to eat nothing but Mary Janes for two weeks whHocus Pocus on a continual loop. Or wear your favorite costume for the entire month of November, complete with mask. Don't worry about work disapproving, you have civil rights! Just cite the Religious Freedom Protection Act!
ile watching

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-11848220014458098682015-11-15T12:45:00.001-08:002015-11-15T12:48:09.063-08:00Relaunch TomorrowThere's nothing I like talking about more than genre, especially dark fiction and dark cinema. I can sit down and discuss it for hours, going on and on about personalities, tropes, motifs, and trends in genre. Maybe it's because I write horror and dark fantasy (The Emerald Key, The Ravening). Maybe it's because I have no life.

Given that this is who I am, I'm rededicating myself to this blog, and focusing on genre, promising the kind of discussion that fans, especially those living in their parents basements, will love. I'll be posting three to four times a week. You think that's a lot? Me too, but I'm retired, so what the hell? And it will give me a chance to start trying my hand again at cartooning, something my father used to beg me to choose as a career. Of course, he also kept insisting I wear black garbage bags and eat nothing but dog biscuits.

So, watch for the first of the new HOUSE OF STERNBERG tomorrow. It will look the same, but now with more "Sternberg." Hey, it's a process.Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-28135423437282391002015-06-15T11:06:00.003-07:002015-06-15T11:07:19.802-07:00Who Needs Creativity?For years and years small film makers have attempted to cash in on blockbusters by putting out cheaply made knock-offs with similar names and artwork in hopes that someone might rent or purchase their product without paying attention that they're really not buying what they think they are buying. And then there are those people who will watch anything, so there's that.

Consider the recent San Andreas Quake, released mostly to direct-to-home video in a pathetic attempt to cash in on the pre-publicity of the blockbuster San Andreas featuring The Rock, which itself is not a great film, but at least someone gave the filmmakers a budget. And the most recent addition to the Jurassic Park franchise is currently competing, successfully, with this ...Jurassic City!

But this is the best!!! Avengers Grimm is an attempt to steal attention from Avengers' Age of Ultron.. I mean, really? The synopsis someone named The Asylum supplied to IMDB is hilarious:

When Rumpelstiltskin destroys the Magic Mirror and escapes to the modern world, the four princesses of "Once Upon A Time" - Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel- are sucked through the portal too. Well-trained and endowed with magical powers, the four women must fight Rumpelstiltskin and his army of thralls before he enslaves everyone on Earth.

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-41369074118309818162015-05-29T14:16:00.001-07:002015-05-30T18:27:38.120-07:00Home, Sweet Home

Oakley Manor

What does The Curse of Frankenstein, Die Monster Die, Dracula, and Rocky Horror Picture Show all have in common? Why, the gorgeous Oakley Manor, thank you. That amazing piece of real estate that can become a character all its own, whether it's the haunt of Christopher Lee as Dracula or the decadent digs of Frank-n-Furter. Of course, now the manor has been sold and turned into a hotel, so maybe this property, built in 1859 is a bit tamer. But that got me thinking about some other properties we've seen in film over the years.

The Ettington Hotel

Anyone who appreciates the history of horror in the cinema must remember the house in The Haunting, based on a novel by Shirley Jackson and directed by Robert Wise. It was a creepy bit of film and the sort of psychological ghost story that stays with you. The star of the story, apologies to Clare Bloom and Julie Harris, is the now converted Ettington Hotel in Warwickshire, England. The gorgeous property is reputed to be one of the most haunted sites in the world. You can read about its impressive history here. Ghosts or not, the Ettington is a magnificent edifice, a brooding structure that is at once imposing and imperial.

Carey Mansion

The United States has some interesting sites, too. People who recently saw Dark Shadows might recognize the Collinwood Manor from the TV series and movies. This Gothic structure was built in Rhode Island back in 1907 by a whiskey millionaire and is actually known as the Carey Mansion, and like most of these old homes, its reputation is heavy with supernatural rumblings.

The Stanley Hotel

But as popular as the above houses may be, perhaps my favorite is The Stanley Hotel in Colorado. You might know it by another name: The Overlook, popularized by the film and novel, The Shining. The hotel smartly embraces its haunted reputation and cinematic history and even has a ghGhost Hunters television show.
ost package for visitors. The hotel was the subject of one of the most popular investigations of Syfy's

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-35856843895233956632015-05-24T07:05:00.001-07:002015-05-24T07:05:28.652-07:00Beginning The Path To MindfulnessI have started exploring the concept of mindfulness as put forward by Jon Kabat-Zinn. The idea behind this philosophy is that we need to increase awareness of who we are in any given point or moment. We need to expand awareness. It is a Buddhist concept, but it is being used for stress reduction, depression, and pain management. And research has shown the practice of mindfulness can actually bring about changes in the brain.

One concept presented in Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness for Beginners is that "If you are preoccupied with what is already known, you can't make that leap into that other dimension of creativity or imagination." As a writer, that statement gave me pause.

In practicing mindfulness we must work in the here and the now and not allow the past to influence us. We must appreciate who and what we are without judgment. This idea sort of harkens back to one of the basic tenets one finds in the Twelve Step philosophy, mainly that we need to recognize things from the past beyond our control and move on with life. The Serenity Prayer goes: "Help me see the things I can change, accept the things I can't, and grant me the wisdom to know the difference between the two."

As a writer though, I live in the past. When I write, I conjure up experience and transform memory and sensation into something relatable for a reader. I recall being frustrated by the old tenet: "Write what you know." I always felt that so limiting. But what it meant was write based on your transformative experiences, write emotions and ideas familiar to you, and if you tackle new concepts, make sure they are grounded in the foundation of those already laid.

Looking at mindfulness, I ponder that if I live in the here and now, then how will that affect one's writing? It is the opposite of "write what you know." Or is it? Maybe not. Maybe we must first be aware of the present as writers, shedding the stressors and biases outside our work before immersing ourselves in the world created. Maybe our failure to do that is why so often our writing changes through the course of a short story or book. We don't see it in the short term, but how often have we returned to something written and seen passages or ideas that stand out as flawed.?

I have much to learn about mindfulness, and I'm still skeptical of the idea, but maybe I will try practicing meditating before writing this summer. I will try approaching my work by first shedding a skin that might block or affect the process. We'll see how that turns out. I'll report back and let you know.

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-31595342650399355032015-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:002015-05-20T11:37:41.743-07:00Look At That!!!
As I watched It Follows, a tense horror film well worth anyone's time, I pointed at the screen and proclaimed, "Hey, that's The Redford Theater. Oh my gosh, that was filmed in Detroit. That was the theater where Evil Dead previewed, although they didn't call it that at the time. I was there. Raimi and Campbell were there. You know they were from Michigan!"

And thankfully the theater was near empty. But nonetheless, I kept looking for and spotting landmarks from around the city and suburbs, delighting in each discovery.

Why? Why do we Midwesterners respond that way? I'm sure Californians don't exclaim.."Look, that's the Hollywood sign!" and people from New York don't point out what route a police chase is taking by noting familiar landmarks flashing on the screen. And surely people about Washington D.C. don't freak out when someone is filming a political thriller.

So what's with us Midwesterns? Why do we take the hokum factor and blow it up times ten? Why do we take such childlike delight in the familiar?

And it's not a new factor. I remember in the seventies going to see The Betsy, a story based on Harold Robbins' potboiler about the auto industry, and Beverly Hills Cop, and in both instances doing the same thing in a theater, along with the rest of the audience. "Hey, did you see that? Eddie Murphy is driving down the John C. Lodge! I know that overpass!!!"

It's the way it is. and it says something about Midwestern culture. We don't expect the extraordinary. We don't think of life as exciting. We work. We go home. We go to work the next day. We delight not in seeing the sensational, but in recognizing the ordinary. It's who we are.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-89725087582294678412015-05-18T19:14:00.000-07:002015-05-19T05:12:00.381-07:00Hey, Ma, I'm Graduating!

On June 4th I will stand in front of the 2015 graduating class and for the 21st time hand out diplomas and heartfelt congratulations. But this time it's different, and a little bitter-sweet, but also exciting. This time, I'm saying goodbye. But not retiring. No, I'm graduating. After twenty years, I'm finally matriculating.

And leaving school behind after these many years I'll remember the three things I tell students.

First, that education is an ongoing process, and we are lifelong learners. At sixty, I have a few more years of learning ahead of me. And what is more exciting than the challenge of the unknown? Of seeing an obstacle and meeting it?

Second, that life is fluid and ever-changing. We need to appreciate the here and now. I've said that constantly, and now studying mindfulness, I am reminded of the importance of that philosophy. In the past I've had the graduating class rise and face their parents and family, hoping they'll realize how elusive this experience, and how it is gone before they can appreciate that. My parents are gone. And I wish I had walked in my own graduation those forty-two years ago. Forty-two years. But I didn't. I was a rebel and didn't understand what rite of passage I was forsaking. So this year, I will face my wife and smile, and raise my hand, and acknowledge what I should have those many years ago.

Third, I will embrace the importance of relationships. All are unique and we must accept people as they are and not as something we want them to be.

I'm graduating. I'm painting my car, driving through town and honking my horn, and I'm going to stay up all night and celebrate the passing of one phase of life and the arrival of another. After twenty years, I'm finally getting out of high school.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-2909444054755557572015-05-15T05:22:00.001-07:002015-05-15T05:27:21.597-07:00B.B. King Remembered

Riley B. King, better known as B.B. King, or Blues Boy King, passed at the age of 89. He helped shape modern music and was an ambassador for the art form of the blues. He was a dynamo, touring up to the last couple months, with dates still planned for late into this year. I had a chance to see him a few years back when he performed on a bill with Etta James and Al Green, although Etta James was a no show due to illness (she would pass in 2012).

 Here are three things about B.B. you may not have known:

His guitar was named Lucille. He named it one night in Arkansas when a fight broke out in a bar he was playing. In the course of the violence, someone started a fire. B.B. fled the bar, but had to run back into the burning building to retrieve his guitar. He named it Lucille after that night, for the woman who started that fire.

B.B. King couldn't play guitar and sing at the same time. Listen to him or watch him and you'll see this. Or as B.B. tells it: "When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille."

Frank Sinatra was King's favorite performer, and King credits Sinatra for helping out black performers seeking access to venues at a time when those doors were closed. From B.B.'s autobiography, Blues All Around Me, "I'd started playing all black clubs on the edge of Vegas. That was back in the fifties. By the seventies, Sid was able to slip me into Caesar's Palace, thanks to Frank Sinatra, who was headlining. They asked Sinatra whether it was all right for me to play Nero's Nook, the lounge. 'Hell, Yes!' he said. Not just 'Yes', but 'Hell, Yes!' That meant a lot to me."

 B.B. King, we will miss your wit, your easy going manner, and your smooth guitar work.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-10743098986793457482015-05-15T05:09:00.000-07:002015-05-15T05:09:00.253-07:00The Muted VoiceIn 1983 close to 50 companies owned the bulk of media around the world. That meant we had film and book reviews we could trust, and thoroughly researched news stories. It meant that the news departments of different outlets were independent of the advertising departments and took pride in that.

Not so much today. I recently watched my morning news program, an affiliate of ABC, and cringed at three to five minutes spent on an account of the previous evening's Dancing With The Stars, as if it was actually newsworthy. Then my news channel spent the rest of the program featuring stories from outside our state, basically picking up video of car chases and crashes.

Later in the day I read book and movie reviews in Entertainment Weekly, a magazine owned by Time Warner, who owns Warner Brothers, HBO, Cinemax, Cartoon Network, TBS, CNN, Warner
etc...and wondered how I could trust EW's glossy reporting and reviews. How could I trust the majority of critics when they worked for a magazine owned by the people who made the entertainment product?

Does it matter? Why should we care? Maybe because without an independent voice we lose something as a society. Maybe because I value independent thought and worry that when so much power is concentrated in the hands of so few that abuse of such power is only a matter of time.

Maybe for now it's a starting point spreading the awareness and keeping in mind the chart provided by NPR, although don't blink, because in the business world of mergers and acquisitions ownership can be hard to follow.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-20656166471799589712015-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:002015-05-14T18:26:18.891-07:00Teaching To The Pest

I hate movies about teaching.

Maybe being a teacher sours me to depictions of the profession. I'm not the compassionate John Keating standing on my desk to inspire students into sneaking off for late night poetry readings--as if (and I can't help but wonder if this role didn't in some way contribute to Robin Williams' suicide).

I don't fit the caricature that's been foisted on us. I'm more Professor Snapes from the Harry Potter series than I am Mr. Chips. I'm not that patient, nurturing, enthusiastic soul who sees a flicker within a student and tries coaxing the butterfly from the chrysalis.

I can't live up to an ideal that doesn't really fit the reality of classrooms and socio-economic environments and their accompanying cultures. People don't want teachers, they want unit managers, following a corporate model, treating kids alternately as customers and product. Unless its their own child, and then by all means...

And damned, I missed Teacher Appreciation Week again.

So fellow teachers, I thought I would provide some quotes about the profession. Here's to the end of the school year.

"I had a terrible education. I attended a school for emotionally disturbed teachers."--Woody Allen

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."--Albert Einstein

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."--Mark Twain

"The plain fact is that education is itself a form of propaganda - a deliberate scheme to outfit the pupil, not with the capacity to weigh ideas, but with a simple appetite for gulping ideas ready-made. The aim is to make 'good' citizens, which is to say, docile and uninquisitive citizens." -- H.L. Menchen

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-1316034302045232572015-05-08T13:30:00.000-07:002015-05-09T08:59:16.420-07:00What's Your Source?A student breathlessly proclaimed, "They are rounding people up and putting them in camps."

"And where did you hear that?"

"On the internet."

We can smile at this student and forgive him his gullibility, but an amazing number of people, many well educated and reasonable, are just as susceptible to gobbling up worthless information and spitting it out as if it were gospel.

Consider a news story from a few years back when Fox News reported that Los Angeles police was spending a billion dollars on jet packs. The source of the story? Weekly World News, a supermarket tabloid with such headlines as "Bat Boy: Going Mutant" and "Google Street View of Heaven."

I shudder imagining the havoc P.T. Barnum would have wreaked with access to the media and a gullible public less interested in accuracy of reporting than validating held beliefs, no matter how absurd. It's a tribal mentality, and data challenging the tribe is discounted out of hand.

I'm not taking a political position here, not a right or left stance. Instead, I'm asking for people to stop and check a source before spreading bad information.

I know, you don't have the time for in-depth research. That's the media's job. But sometimes corporate media doesn't police itself. Ask the editors at Rolling Stone, recently embarrassed by shoddy journalism in covering an alleged rape.

You owe it to yourself to consider the source's credibility, especially when forming opinions that might affect your or your family. The University of Wisconsin has a great page for students engaging in online research, or for anyone looking online for information. Here are the things students are asked to consider:

1) Who authored the piece? Uncredited information is questionable. Credited information gives you the chance to research what that person has done before and to see what sort of background and/or bias they have. Also, what sort of writing is on display? Someone publishing writing with poor grammar and spelling immediately announces itself suspect.

2)When was the research done? Historical context can be critical.

3)What is the domain of the webage? The domain is identified at the end of the web address. A dot com, for instance signifies a company, and we all know companies are motivated by profit, and as such may not present information contrary to its self-interest. Other domains include dot net, dot org, and dot gov. Again, considering the information given these suffixes is a matter of context.

4) Is the reporting citing a source? Had Fox bothered to cite Weekly World News as a source in the above story, people would have been able to immediately head in that direction and discount the information as sensationalist fluff.

5) A site's design can be indicative of its credibility. Of course, some of the worst sites have beautiful and professional layout. Still, if something looks like it was slapped together, then it should immediately be regarded with skepticism. Furthermore, if a site has a ton of advertising promoting a particular point of view, then one knows that the site is biased.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-5087229666918576272014-09-28T13:09:00.000-07:002014-09-28T13:09:01.328-07:00Here's To The AnthologiesI know many people who pass up short story collections. They don't like pouring through the different voices within. Some just don't like the short form. But I can't think of a better way of sampling and discovering new writers than in this format.

Sure, most anthologies will tend to have several authors of note. I know editors and publishers who will slap in something from a well-known author not because it's a stellar piece, but because they hope the name recognition will help push through a few more sales. I can't blame them. But me? I'm immediately drawn to the new male or female author. Or the unfamiliar name. And if I like the piece, off I go to Amazon or Barnes and Noble to see what else they've got out there.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-65167061766636627112014-09-26T06:16:00.001-07:002014-09-26T06:16:25.180-07:00Rethinking ReadingI am currently listening to an audiobook on my drive to and from work. This morning though, a thought occurred to me: when the audiobook is done, can I be said to have "read" the book? What is the depth of comprehension and retention one has in listening to a book being read compared to reading it? I've always my experience in listening has been comparable to the reading experience. However, some researchers would offer argument.

An interesting blog piece on the Fast Company website recounts a study by the University of Waterloo in Ontario. According to the piece, the study was published in Frontiers of Psychology and alleges that people listening to audiobooks may get the gist of what is being read, but tend to be forgetful of the material and easily distracted from the text. Some other pieces I've read contradict this university's study, but my bet is that this issue is one which will be revisited over time in further research.

Some writers I know have pointed to audiobooks and other media as a way of broadening the reading experience. They argue that a book can be an immersive experience combining video, audio,and graphics. They point to the changing ways in which people read due to electronic media and the internet. And the discussion broadens as how a writer should adapt expression to accommodate these diverse elements.

So, what is reading? Can we said we've read a book if we listen to an audio version? Is it enough to receive the intent of the author? Is there a degree of internalization which must be met? If that's the case, what's the criteria?Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-34440654850172437072014-08-11T06:57:00.001-07:002014-08-11T06:57:32.580-07:00Ideas Be DamnedI recently had a fellow author tell me about a great idea he had for a book. Outstanding! Wonderful! And while he related it to me my mind wandered and suddenly I was blissfully elsewhere. My suspicion is if he approached the book from the same direction then the readers would probably wander off as well, and probably never get past the first couple pages.

We don't read because an author has a great idea. It might be enough to hook us for a page or two, but if the story isn't solid, we're off. And by story, I mean the journey of the character, whether or not that journey is internal or external. Readers want a connection.

I tried relating this concept. He nodded his head. He agreed. And then he went on and on about his idea. And once again I drifted off. The moral? Some writers have to learn the hard way.Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-67202118203507106692014-05-09T07:05:00.001-07:002014-05-09T07:05:50.727-07:00David J WestAs promised, I am spotlighting a small press or indie writer each Friday. Occasionally, I'll even tip a hat to some of the folks picked up by the large press. Today, let's turn our attention to the dashing Mr. David West.

This well-traveled author hails from Salt Lake City. He has demonstrated a passion for self-expression and professes a strong spiritual nature. With a playful good nature, and a wit which entertains but rarely skewers, Mr. West is the sort who through casual conversation, even online, makes one feel they've known him for some time.

This award winning author's best writing occurs when he gives rein to his love for sword and sorcery. He enjoys two-fisted pulp in the tradition of Robert E. Howard and his novel Heroes of the Fallen, influenced by both his Mormon upbringing and passion for fantasy, is a fast-moving adventure.

His newest work Bless The Child, ,another fantasy, is dedicated to children with Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN). All proceeds will go the Hannah's Hope Fund, a non-profit organization aimed at research and supporting families dealing with the disease.

Bless The Child is a novel whose central character is a Spartan seeking redemption for a life of violence. In his wanderings through the Holy Land he becomes embroiled in a war and emerges as something he never imagined for himself, an instrument of peace.

If you are interested in learning more about Mr. West or contacting him, check out his blog and Goodreads pages. He can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-28123366930634644462014-05-02T06:13:00.000-07:002014-05-02T06:13:21.098-07:00Sephera GironWith eighty percent of all media under the control of six corporations, the world of fiction is reduced to the lowest common denominator, with the victim being originality and opportunity for writers. Publishers want the next big thing, and if they don't have the next big thing, they'll strive to manufacture it. Thank God for the internet, thank good for small press and self publishing.

This Friday I am beginning a new tradition. At the end of each week I will promote one author across all my social media. It might be someone from small press, or someone who is striking out on their own. Some of these authors may be well known, some may be brand new to the scene. Giving them the attention they deserve is part of my commitment to support the writing community and to encourage authors to network with one another.

Sephera Giron is a dark fiction writer whose work sometimes flirts with erotica and apparently sometimes runs screaming at it. Her appreciation for the dark and the dramatic probably comes from her background in performance arts, or perhaps from her embrace of the metaphysical. Want a tarot reading? She's happy to oblige. Paranormal investigation? She's immersed herself in the world of ghost hunting.

Her most recent book, Flesh Failure will be coming out courtesy of Samhain Publishing. More information about Ms. Giron can be found at the blog, Musing of the Monster Librarian and on the blog of fellow author Joan De La Haye. If you want to show Ms. Giron some love, check out her patreon site. She is currently looking to the internet to fund current and future projects. You can also follow her blog, Sephera's World or check out some of her video activity on her Youtube Channel.

The newest book from Samhain Publishing available this July

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-41146892502537208372014-04-28T07:59:00.000-07:002014-04-28T07:59:11.912-07:00Speed Reading or Flim Flam?
How fast do you read? Does it matter? Some would argue that faster reading can actually improve comprehension since reading faster means forced concentration. Others argue that reading faster takes away the flavor of the writing. <o:p></o:p>

So, how fast do you read? You could go to Speed Reading Test Online or use the Staples E-Reader Interactive. Or you could do it manually, but since we're in the computer age, why not let a website handle it for you? Sheesh.

Me? I like reading fast. Most tests I've taken recently clock me around 700 wpm. I've never formally taken a speed reading class, but I picked up some basics:

1) Don't say the words in your brain. Hard as this may be for some people, encoding and decoding only slows you down. 2) Chunk when possible. Read groups of words at one time. 3) Use a guide. Your finger is your friend. I know that sounded bad, but you can use your finger to over come regression, the habit people have of skipping back to what they've read.

Three simple changes to reading habits can make quite a difference. Or if you love apps, then consider letting one of those help you out. If you don't consider it unusual using a tablet or a phone as a primary e-reader, consider downloading one of these. Spritz, Velocity, and Balto are all efficient and popular choices. There are others, and like most apps, it's a matter of installing and trying them out, finding what's best for you.

Still, not everyone is a fan of speed reading and speed reading apps. The greatest argument is that speed comes at sacrifice to comprehension. A recent study published in the journal Psychological Science. April 18th, 2014, focuses on the importance of saccades, the rapid eye movement which speed reading seeks to control. This study and others demonstrates we're still learning about the mind and how it processes information. We'll probably see more research on reading apps and comprehension in the next couple years.

So how fast do you read? Isn't it more about adapting to source material and finding the speed and style which feels most comfortable and functional?

Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-71589509897542594292014-04-20T11:00:00.000-07:002014-04-20T11:01:44.434-07:00Writing To Be ReadSeveral authors I know would look at me with disdain if I started preaching the value of speed-reading to them. "Every word I write is sacred. I want a reader to savor each paragraph, each sentence."

Well, good luck with that. People skim. Like it or not. People tend to gloss over parts they find boring and pay attention to things which ignite their imaginations or affirm their beliefs. I know, I know, you're not writing for those folk. They're beneath you. Yeah.

Newspapers have gotten it right for decades. They put the important information up front and work down in what is called a "pyramid formation." In journalism you should be able to cut off the lower paragraphs and not necessarily damage the intent of the writing. Some newspapers are thrilled just to have headlines read, and maybe a sentence or two of a story. Then again, considering the misinformation presented by some news sources, maybe that's the idea.

Fiction writers sense they only have a small window through which to grab a reader by the throat. We talk about a "hook." Those first paragraphs and pages make a difference whether or not a reader continues. Even the most high fallutin' literary writer would agree the opening is important. Too bad we can't make demands on our reader for more self-discipline and attention when they make the same demands on us. And how has web reading affected readers?

I remember a panel with young adult author Tanya Huff in which she argued that while statistics showed young girls read more than boys, she believed (without support) that boys read as much, only their reading occurred online.

Michael S. Rosenwald, writing for the Washington Post, gave it a bit more deliberate consideration. According to the article, "To cognitive neuroscientists, Handscombe's experience is the subject of great fascination and growing alarm. Humans, they warn, seem to be developing digital brains with new circuits for skimming through the torrent of information online. This alternative way of reading is competing with traditional deep reading circuitry developed over several millennia."

A study by the Nielson Norman Group showed that "on the average Web page, users have time to read at most 28% of the words during an average visit; 20% is more likely."

As an educator watching more and more students sucked into the world of online learning, this figure gives me the shivers. My friend Jon Zech would have said: "I knew those darned computers would ruin us eventually."

So what's a writer to do? Start developing a form of short hand? Skip everything but the good parts? And who determines those good parts? Readability software? Perhaps an idiot savant who lives in his mother's basements and subsists on pre-chewed pizza? (Okay, I don't know where the heck that one came from.)

The Chronicle on Higher Education addresses how the new reader approaches academic writing. Author William Germano argues the writer dare not give in. Good luck with that and being published and read.

However, Germano states: " The scholarly book that keeps you awake at night thinking through ideas and possibilities unarticulated in the text is the book worth reading. It may be that the best form a book can take--even an academic book--is as a never-ending story, a kind of radically unfinished scholarly inquiry for which the reader's own intelligence can alone provide the unwritten chapters."

So, are we saying writing matters, or connecting with the reader? "I write for the prettiness of the phrase," Jon Zech would waft. I would scoff. "It's like painting a page with a brush and the prose is magic."

"I write to be read and to hell with it," I would respond. "I just want to tell a story." We were both right, I suppose.Stewart email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-75845331809748967102014-04-11T23:50:00.001-07:002014-04-11T23:53:37.383-07:00Freemiums Are For Suckers...Which Unfortunately Includes MeIt's time to rebel against "freemium" games. I say this while mired in one of the most seductive titles, Clash of Clans.

For the blissfully ignorant, here is how a "freemium" game works. The gamer downloads a free game and gets suckered in. The further they play, the more difficult it becomes to progress. The more difficult to progress, the more likely a person to invest a few bucks in a "helper" or "bonus."

Need a way to polish off a level in Candy Crush? Ninety nine cents might work. Maybe spend three to five dollars and buy enough helpers "just to be safe." Want to upgrade the town hall in Clash of Clans? Pay five bucks for three hundred green gems, or maybe a hundred dollars for fourteen thousand imaginary stones.

Oh sure, one doesn't have to spend the money. In Clash of Clans you can make a few clicks to start building and upgrading, and then wait two or three days until the upgrade is complete. But where's the fun in clicking a button and waiting days to click more buttons to wait more days?

This is a walk down a carnival midway, playing games which you know are fixed. And yet, you can't help throwing another ball at the stacked milk bottles, or shooting another basketball at an undersized hoop.

However, the carnival game is frowned on, mostly because it's penny ante.

The "freemium" game, on the other hand, is big bucks and big bucks buys respectability. The makers of Clash of Clans sold fifty-one percent of its stake to a Japanese company for 1.5 billion dollars. King, the creator of Candy Crush, filed an IPO on the NYSE for $22 a share. Yowsa, yowsa, yowsa!

And yet, perhaps the "freemium" field isn't as green as one might think. Perhaps there's hope for humanity after all. According to www.digitaltrends.com sixty six percent of the people who download these games delete them within a day. And Candy Crush's King? While it may have opened at $22.50 a share, according to Wall Street Journal's "Market Watch," it had the worst trading debut this year, dropping 19% in a day. Another game company, Zynga, is down fifty percent from its opening IPO.

I think I'm going to forsake "freemiums" and just play chess.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-76790404243241808212013-09-14T09:37:00.001-07:002013-09-14T09:37:12.151-07:00Running With Scissors..Don't Say I'm Not BadPublisher Weekly put out a list of evil characters in literature, perhaps to prove that the PW doesn't know the definition of evil. At the top of their list, Mr. Hyde. Really? And Dracula? Cruela De Vil??? Okay, maybe Cruella DeVil. I mean, if you want to make a puppy coat, you must be pretty disgusting.

Don't get me wrong, these are good baddies, but the author creating this list, however she created it, could have done much better. Much, much better.

So, with that in mind, let me give you my own top ten, in no particular order and after giving it a look see, I'm curious if your favorite monsters are on this list..

Joffrey and Cersei from "A Song of Fire and Ice" R.R Martin [I had to include them together. And if you go past the third book of the series, you'll know why Ceirse rises to the list]

Professor James Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes series by A.C. Doyle. How Moriarty didn't make the list from PW befuddles me.

Mrs. Havisham from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Okay, she made the above list, and rightly so. What this woman does to Pip is stomach turning. And if you don't know Havisham, grab the book.

Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the James Bond series by Ian Fleming. Son of a bitch. Now this is a vile character. Not only does he create a poisonous garden to entice innocents to commit suicide, but he kills Tracy Bond on her honeymoon.

Hannibal Lecter from The Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal. A glaring omission from PW's list.

Cameron Lowry from The Ravening by Stewart Sternberg. This son of a bitch is the leader of a cult that uses zombies to keep the post-apocalyptic population in line. And if you think he was bad in The Ravening, wait until the sequel (yes, it's still coming).

Randall Flagg, who makes appearances in The Stand and The Dark Tower series.

Norman Bates from Psycho by Robert Bloch.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-57758179662088218842013-07-19T19:18:00.002-07:002013-07-19T19:18:30.025-07:00How To Watch A Scary MovieI went to see "The Conjuring." It is a worthwhile film with an expert setup for sustained scares, and it will probably be the best horror film of the year. Not a great film, but one that milks each moment. You know the scare is coming, but the delight is the anticipation and then the sledge hammer delivery.

That being said, about ten minutes into the film, I had my Stewart Sternberg Moment. Friends who watch horror films with me know exactly what I am referring to-- it is the point where, if I was in that situation, I would shake my head and go home. Or to someplace brightly lit surrounded by lots of people. someplace with people fatter than myself so if I had to run, I could out distance them. Just saying.

You can tell it's a Stewart Sternberg Moment because it is punctuated by me turning to someone in the room and saying "And what would I be doing right now?" The correct answer is "getting the hell out."

At "The Conjuring" I sat next to two Middle Aged women. When the moment came, and it was a simple moment where a dog wouldn't enter the new house, I said, "a dog don't enter, I don't enter." "Sweet Jesus no!" One woman replied.

And as simple as that, the communal experience of a horror film had been enjoined. A few scenes later, the other woman talked to the screen, "No...don't you open that. No." The other woman joined in with "Sweet Jesus no!"

"And what would Stewart do?" I asked these strangers.

"He wouldn't open that door," one said.

"No he wouldn't."

When someone behind us screamed at a demonic appearance jumping out of the darkness, I leaned back and asked, "Are you still in that house?"

"Hell no!" A teen answered.

And then something else happened on screen that had people murmuring and then shrieking.

"Where's Stewart?" An older man on my other side said with a nervous laugh.

"He ain't going outside," one woman answered.

"No he ain't." I said.

And you all wonder why I love horror films and why you should try and enjoy them in a movie theatre and not just in your living room.

Stewart firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-33284685.post-29994676208933210362013-06-22T04:18:00.001-07:002013-06-22T04:18:55.014-07:00The Butch Effect

Tommy Bond, the child actor who portrayed the feared "Butch"

How many times have you heard a fan of Game of Thrones throw a fist to the sky and shout, "Kill Joffrey!"

He is the quintessential spoiled brat---a teenager able to wave a hand and have someone executed. However, what about the actor? How does it feel to play someone so hated, and to have to deal with it in public?

Worse, what if you're young? What if you're a child? Thankfully, Jack Gleeson, the actor who plays Joffrey Baratheon is twenty one, which is young enough, but imagine what poor Tom Felton had to go through when he played Malfoy Draco in the Harry Potter series.How about William Zabka, the bad boy from The Karate Kid? Or Alison Armgrim who was Nellie from Little House on the Prairie.

According to Alison Armgrim, she had to deal with being hated in real life by people who confused her with the character. Imagine being 12 years old and dealing with this, and the assault on the ego.

Celebrity messes with young actors. Just take a look at Justin Beiber and the other examples of those who may have had too much, too soon. Look at Britney Spears, Todd Bridges, Corey Haim, Lindsay Lohan, and Amanda Bynes. And those are the kids loved by kids.

What about the actors who are reviled?

How we treat celebrity says much about us as a culture.

Stewart email@example.com


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Pope in Mexico: Locals score tickets for Papal Mass
In a matter of hours, Pope Francis will arrive along the U.S.-Mexico border for the final stop of his trip through Mexico: Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.
It has been a whirlwind week for the Pontiff.
Virginia Murillo of Fresno can identify.
She arrived Tuesday afternoon in Ciudad Juarez, following a 16-hour bus ride.
"We decided to come on Sunday. We went grocery shopping and I told my husband, let's go to Juarez," she says.
Murillo and her husband are staying with her sister.
She managed to find them highly sought tickets for Wednesday's mass with the Pope.
"The Pope's never been here. What better time to return?" she said.
She is one of several local connections we found in Juarez Tuesday.
Lily Villanueva's niece, Dr. Lucia Mireles-Chavez lives in Fresno, too.
"This is an opportunity I couldn't miss," Villanueva said.
"I'm excited my family will be there. I feel like I'm living through their texts,their messages, everything," said Mireles-Chavez.
Villanueva has been glued to her TV set, watching coverage of the Pope's visit.
"If I lose it watching it on tv, imagine when we see him in person. There's gonna be waterworks!" she said.
Villanueva's cousin, Amanda Cordova, says her family's already feeling the love from Pope Francis' prayers.
Another two cousins flew in from out of town, and all four will get to see the Pope's mass in person.
She says getting everyone together, in some respects, is a miracle.
"We thought it was nearly impossible. Little by little, things came together," Cordova said.


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Q3 2018 Meeting September 10-13, 2018 in Montreal, Canada
Hotel Reservations
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, August 17, 2018
To reserve a room at the Hyatt Regency Montreal hotel please go to: https://book.passkey.com/event/49580612/owner/16160/landing
Based on availability, the discounted group rate is offered three (3) days prior ( 7 September 2018) and post (18 September 2018) of the scheduled room block. If you plan to stay over late or arrive early, please note that the reservation system may not allow you to book online. Please go ahead and make your reservation for the available dates and then email us at [email protected] and we will request an extension on your behalf.
BBF Discounted Room Rates:
- Single Occupancy Room CA$ 192.00
- Double Occupancy Room CA$ 217.00
- Triple Occupancy Room CA$ 242.00
The room rates do not include taxes, service fees, or breakfast. Basic wireless internet for the hotel room is included.
Hyatt Regency Montreal Reservation Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation of an individual reservation will be accepted no later than 72 hours prior to arrival. Should a reservation be canceled/no-show after the above deadline, a non-refundable charge equal to one night will be applied to the credit card given to guarantee.
Please use the above method to make your reservation at the hotel. Or you may contact the hotel directly by telephone at +1.514.982.1234. In order to be honored the discounted room rate, please let them know you are with THE BROADBAND FORUM Q3 2018 MEETING.
If you should need assistance booking a room please contact us directly at +1.510.492.4020 or via email at [email protected].
Meeting Registration
Meeting fee is due on or before: Monday, September 3, 2018
Meeting registration is via the members-only wiki site, please click HERE to register.
Meeting Fee:
- $450 USD for Principal and Associate Members to attend general and committee meetings.
- $310 USD for Principal and Associate Members to attend general and committee meetings for ONE day.
- $310 USD for Auditing Members to attend Summit, Plenary, and General Sessions Only.
(The meeting fees include lunch and are for all attendees including those staying in the hotel.)
Refund Policy:
- Cancellations received on or before Monday, September 3: FULL REFUND
- Cancellations received after Monday, September 3: 50% REFUND
Meeting Check-In
All attendees must check-in at the Broadband Forum desk in the hotel to receive meeting materials and name badge.
On-site Registration Hours at the Hyatt Regency Montreal hotel:
- Monday, September 10: 7:30am - 6:00pm
- Tuesday, September 11: 7:30am - 6:00pm
- Wednesday, September 12: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Important Dates
- Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, August 17, 2018
- Meeting Registration & Contribution Deadline: Monday, September 3, 2018
Members Only Link
Meeting Location
1255 Jeanne-Mance St
Montreal, QC H5B 1E5, Canada
Tel: +1.514.982.1234
View a local map with the hotel address HERE.
Important Sessions
Monday, September 10, 2018
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Tools Training
- 10:00am - 11:00am: Service Provider Action Council
- 11:30am - 12:30pm: Opening Plenary
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Birds of a Feather Session on Orchestration for CloudCO: Expectations and Industry Solutions – part 2
Thursday, September 13, 2018
- 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Closing Plenary
*Please note agenda is subject to change
Contribution Deadline: Monday, September 3, 2018 at 5:00pm PT.
See the Using JIRA to Manage Contributions wiki page for details of how to create contributions (members only access).
Sponsorship Opportunities
Visa Information
Visas cannot be obtained at the border or airport. The average time to obtain a Visa is four (4) weeks, however this will vary depending on location. Please be aware that each country has different requirements as to how to apply for a Visa. Please check with your local consulate to get the most accurate information about obtaining a Visa for your specific country of residence.
If you would like Broadband Forum visa letter please add your personal details to the Visa Letter form (members only access) and email it at [email protected] for a signature. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at +1.510.492.4020.
- A local map with the hotel address, parking and transportation instructions can be found here.
- To learn more about the local transportation please see: Société de transport de Montréal
- To view a list of things to do please go to: https://www.mtl.org/en
Local Airport:
Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport - 12 miles / 20 km
The drive from the YUL airport to the hotel is estimated to take about 20 to 30 minutes.
A Taxi from the Montreal airport to the Hyatt Regency Montreal hotel cost approximately 40.00 CAD.


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Vlad is not an advocate of buying generation one electronics. Something about blah blah blah generation two is better. I kept trying to pretend I agreed with him and was waiting out the iPhonebecause of slower connection or some other blah blah blah issue, but my parents thought it was a great Christmas gift, and let me tell you I could not be more thrilled! The only issue is the fingerprints that smudge all over the screen, the rest of the iPhone is brilliant. Sure, the internet connection is no where near as fast as the 3G connection that our business phone has, but it gets the job done and looks beyond sleek and cool doing it. When toting a sleek phone like this, the case must be just as chic! The Louis Vuitton Taiga iPhone Case is a perfect slip on slim case for the iPhone. There is a notch at the top of the case for extra protection and there is a clip on the back which means this can be carried on your belt. I would never carry this on my belt, but that is just me. The inside is lined in microfiber, which will cushion the phone perfectly. Love this accessory!
Louis Vuitton Taiga iPhone CaseAccessories
Tag: Louis Vuitton Case iPhone Taiga
Louis Vuitton iPhone CaseAccessories
Did you get your hands on an iPhone? Are you enjoying the 9589687 options it has to offer? Not this purse loving gal. Vlad is a strong believer in ALWAYS waiting for the second generation model. He told me time and time again that generation one is a waste of money; wait until the kinks and glitches are worked out. So I did not dish $600 out on an iPhone. I am still enjoying (not thoroughly, but basically) my Razr. But if you were cool enough to get an iPhone, you better be cool enough to cover it in an ultra luxurious Louis Vuitton iPhone Case. On July 16 at Louis Vuitton's Fifth Ave. flagship store, line up for the range of LV iPhone cases, available in monogram canvas, Epi leather, Taiga leather, and even alligator. Be 'ordinary' with the monogram canvas case, costing $225, or splurge on the alligator case (because face it, with your iPhone you the epitome of ultra-cool) for $1120. For the rest of us, who do not live in NYC or have an iPhone yet, never fear. Louis Vuitton plans to bring these cases nation wide in October. And of course, Apple will make more iPhones.
Tag: Louis Vuitton Case iPhone
Louis Vuitton Steamer CaseTravel
Many of my friends seem to all be engaged and planning their weddings. I keep receiving 'save the date' cards and keep wondering what I will wear and what I will buy for their gift. Better yet, I ponder what I will want from them at my not-planned wedding. Call me sick, but I enjoy thinking about my own wedding gifts in my sometime-in-the-hopefully-near-future-wedding. A gift that would have me bowing down at the givers feet would be a Louis Vuitton Trunk. I am determined to own an LV trunk and by-golly if I do not get one as a wedding gift I will use part of the gift money to buy one! Style.com had a mini idea section for good wedding gifts, and my eye got stuck on the Louis Vuitton Steamer Case. This case was first invented in 1901 as a smaller piece of travel luggage to be kept inside of the coveted LV Trunk. Gasp to the most perfect inside addition to the LV Trunk. The price is $3,050. So anyone who will be invited to my wedding, keep this post in mind! As usual, shop Louis Vuitton exclusively at eLuxury and this piece is available at select Louis Vuitton boutiques, (866) VUITTON. Try the lovely folks at Louis Vuitton Bal Harbour, Florida.
Tag: Louis Vuitton Steamer Case


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The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) establishes adoptive placement preferences for placing an Indian child with a member of the child's extended family, with other members of the child's tribe, or with other Indian families. A court may deviate from these preferences only upon a showing of good cause. ICWA does not state what standard of proof applies to the good cause determination, nor does it state what factors a court must consider in determining whether there is good cause to deviate from the preferences. The Superior Court in this case placed an Indian child with a non-Native family.
On appeal, the Alaska Supreme Court overturned a long line of prior cases, and held that ICWA requires the lower courts to find good cause to deviate from the ICWA placement preferences by "clear and convincing evidence" rather than the lower "preponderance of the evidence standard." In reaching this decision, the Court gave substantial deference to the policies underlying ICWA. It held that "ICWA implicitly mandates that good cause to deviate from ICWA's adoptive placement preferences be proved by clear and convincing evidence. To the extent our prior cases hold otherwise, they are overruled."
A link to the decision is pasted below.
No. 6788 S-14562 Native Village of Tununak v. State, Office of Children's Services
Please contact Carol Daniel for questions or comments at:Alaska Federation of Natives 1577 C Street, Suite 300 Anchorage, AK 99501 907-274-3611
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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SOURCE: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
January 19, 2011 08:00 ET
Entrepreneur-Philanthropist Arthur Ciocca Says Initial $600,000 Gift to Kauffman Labs for Enterprise Creation Supports His Foundation's Vision of High-Leverage Philanthropy
KANSAS CITY, MO and SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - January 19, 2011) - The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Arthur & Carlyse Ciocca Charitable Foundation today announced a partnership to help more entrepreneurs start the high-growth firms that are needed to boost the American and global economies. To commence the partnership, the Ciocca Foundation -- founded by Arthur Ciocca, chairman and owner of The Wine Group, Inc., and his wife, Carlyse -- has made a $600,000 gift to help scale the Kauffman Foundation's entrepreneurial programming. Specifically, the gift is increasing the number of participants in the Foundation's Kauffman Labs for Enterprise Creation (www.kauffmanlabs.org) initiative, which recruits and trains aspiring entrepreneurs who have the potential to launch transformative, billion-dollar companies.
"We are extremely delighted with our new relationship with the Kauffman Foundation," said Arthur Ciocca. "It marks the beginning of a new 'high leverage' era for our foundation and the end of a long search to find a co-investment partner that not only shares our vision for the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in America but that is also uniquely positioned to drive important breakthroughs to create value for our economy and society."
"Just like our founder, Arthur Ciocca saw first-hand the power of entrepreneurship in his own life," said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. "We are honored to be working with the Arthur & Carlyse Ciocca Charitable Foundation, whose vision and passion about the role of entrepreneurs in society match ours. We are grateful for the monetary contribution, which is helping us expand our Kauffman Labs program more quickly. And we are equally pleased that in giving it, the Ciocca Foundation is shining a light on the need for more philanthropic support of entrepreneurship as one of the most effective means of expanding human welfare."
With the Ciocca Foundation gift, Kauffman Labs for Enterprise Creation is able to double its upcoming class of aspiring founders who intend to start high-growth companies in the education space. After a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process last fall, the selected "education entrepreneurs" will start the intensive Labs training and mentoring program in February. Kauffman Labs' goal is to provide unparalleled education, mentorship, and experiences that pave the way for more new billion-dollar firms to be launched. According to a Kauffman study released in December 2010, as few as 60 new companies a year that grow to a billion dollars in revenue could increase U.S. GDP by one percent.
"Partnering with Kauffman gives our foundation a vehicle to expand investments into a wider range of entrepreneurial activities, with a much higher probability of success and without adding expensive and inefficient infrastructure," said Zack Georgeson, director of the Ciocca Foundation. "During this extraordinary time in philanthropy, many wealthy individuals are pledging to donate a majority of their wealth to causes dedicated to solving society's current problems. It is my hope that the Kauffman Foundation will be seen as a highly effective vehicle for 'preventing' future societal problems by helping to restore growth and employment in our economy through innovation and entrepreneurship."
Arthur Ciocca said this initial gift is just one example of the kinds of co-investment opportunities that exist for the Ciocca Foundation in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation. He added that he believes Kauffman is perfectly poised to "make dramatic breakthroughs in areas essential to growth and vibrancy in our society" and that "nothing would make us happier than to play a catalytic role in bringing more attention to and expanding their work."
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Cardinal come out strong
Notes: Alexander becomes blocks leader; Rodgers sets record
• For the first time since the final Associated Press poll of 2005, Stanford is ranked No. 1. The Cardinal took the top spot from Baylor after ending the Lady Bears' 42-game winning streak at the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine Classic last Friday. Stanford barely edged Connecticut for the top spot in the latest poll. Stanford received 21 first-place votes, while Connecticut had 17. Stanford will host Connecticut on Dec. 29 in Palo Alto, Calif.
• Andy Landers became the seventh Division I women's coach to reach 800 career victories when No. 8 Georgia beat Savannah State 94-57 on Tuesday night. He became the eighth basketball coach – men's or women's – with 800 victories at a single Division I school.. Ironically, Landers posted his 800th overall career win (including 82 victories at Roane State from 1975-79) with a 74-28 decision against Savannah State on Jan. 15, 2009. Landers is in his 34th year at Georgia.
• Northern Iowa senior guard Jacqui Kalin moved up to No. 3 on the schools all-time scoring list with 1,477 points. Kalin, who was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, had 15 points in a win against South Dakota, followed by a 26-point outing in a win against North Dakota State.
• Central Arkansas senior forward Megan Herbert recorded her 68th double-double, which is tied for ninth most by a Division I player, and she moved to ninth in scoring, sixth in rebounding and third in free throws made in Southland Conference (SLC) history during the weekend. Herbert was named SLC Player of the Week after averaging 19 points and 19.5 rebounds in a pair of road wins against Southern Illinois and Alcorn State. She had a career-high 24 rebounds to go along with 32 points in the win against Southern Illinois.
• Rutgers senior Monique Oliver posted her first double-double with a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds in a 56-52 win against George Washington. Oliver swatted her 148th career block, moving her into a tie for fifth all-time at Rutgers with former Scarlet Knight Tammy Sutton-Brown (1997-2001). Tanya Hansen is above Oliver in fourth all-time on the Scarlet Knights' blocks list with 245 career rejections.
• Georgetown senior shooting guard Sugar Rodgers made history in the 63-48 loss to North Carolina on Nov. 14, becoming the program's all-time scoring leader. Rodgers hit a free throw which gave her 1,886 career points making her the program's all-time scoring leader in just 101 games played. After the set back against North Carolina, Rodgers and the Hoyas bounced back to defeat LSU 71-69 on Nov. 19.
• Syracuse's Kayla Alexander became the all-time blocks leader in program history. She also had a 26-point, 13-rebound performance at Cornell on Nov. 16, becoming the fifth player in program history to reach 1,500 career points.
• Southeastern Conference teams have a 34-10 overall record in all games this season, but are only 2-4 against top-25 teams.
• LSU is two victories away from becoming the fourth team in SEC history to claim 800 all-time victories.
• With Stanford off to a 5-0 start, several other undefeated Pac-12 Conference teams are currently flying under the radar. Worth noting are Arizona, California and Utah all at 3-0, while Colorado and UCLA are both 2-0.
This week on the court
• Numerous teams across the country will celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays while participating in tournaments. The Dayton Flyers, out of the gate with a 4-0 record, will host the Marriott Classic this weekend with games against Buffalo and Eastern Illinois. The Flyers have opened the season strong with two of the wins coming against top-25 teams in DePaul and Vanderbilt.
• Minnesota (4-0) will look to maintain its strong early start, with three games this week against Richmond (Nov. 22), James Madison (Nov. 23) and Missouri (Nov. 24).
• After three wins to open the season, the Northwestern Wildcats will be at home this week to play Yale on Nov. 21. The Wildcats then wrap up the week on Sunday, Nov. 25, hosting the team's annual Autism Awareness Game at 2 p.m. against Loyola.
• Also off to a 4-0 start, the North Carolina Tar Heels will host Ohio State on November 28 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
• What to Watch: Nov. 19-25


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RAHWAY — Thanks to the Rahway Foundation For Excellence In Education, the first grade students at Franklin Elementary School in Rahway received a grant to purchase Phonics Phones. The students use these phones during reading to help them hear the words as they read aloud. Using the phones also helps them build their confidence in reading. In their free time, the students continue to select a book from the library and use the phones to enhance their reading skills. (Photos courtesy of Franklin School)
The Rahway Foundation For Excellence In Education is a non-profit organization that awards grants to teachers for developing timely, innovative and creative projects that enrich the educational process of the Rahway Public School children. Educators in all six of Rahway's public schools are eligible to submit grant applications each fall and spring. Grants are awarded competitively based upon quality and educational components. Projects funded address academic, developmental and social issues specific to the desire and needs in the Rahway Public Schools.
The Foundation sponsors a series of fundraising campaigns throughout the year receiving donations from corporations, local business and individuals. The Foundation accepts donations in the forms of bonds, securities and bequests. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution or would like more information, contact The Rahway Foundation For Excellence In Education c/o Madeline Kropoth, Franklin School, 1809 St. Georges Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, (732) 396-1050.
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Published: 2008/03/24
Chuck Leavell: Live In Germany: The Green Leaves and Blue Notes Tour
Chuck Leavell first made his name as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, but has spent the past 20 years playing keyboards with The Rolling Stones. And before the Stones hit the road for another victory lap, Leavell will release the solo album Live In Germany: The Green Leaves and Blue Notes Tour on May 13. The two-disc set was recorded on September 14, 2007 for the German radio station HR1, shortly after the close of the Rolling Stones A Bigger Bang tour, with the aid of noted German musicians like drummer Paul Hter, bassist Christian Diener, saxophonist Lutz Her and guitarist Frank Kuruc. Throughout the set, the keyboardist runs through a mix of material, including The Allman Brothers Jessica and Statesboro Blues (with a cameo appearance by Henning Eichler on harmonica), The Rolling Stones Honky Tonk Woman and Rip this Joint, Les McCann and Eddie Harris Compared to What, Ray Charles Georgia, George Harrisons Here Comes the Sun and the standards In the Wee Wee Hours and Route 66, as well as a handful of originals.


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These school videos are getting exhausting. They're like the last few seasons of Entourage. You know they're probably not going to be satisfying to watch, but you do anyways. Then after you're done, you just want those wasted minutes of your time back. The recent attempt came out of the SEC's newest member, the Missouri Tigers. Within the first 20 seconds, you automatically know it's one of the worst that's been made. The frat boys set Mizzou and the perception of white people's rhythm back many years with wildly boring lyrics, embarrassingly uncomfortable dancing, and a chorus that induces the scrunched up face you get when somebody cuts the cheese.
Amongst the headbands, out-of-place shirt and tie, and argyle, these three knuckleheads managed to take some shots at a few schools, including rival Kansas. Of course, the Jayhawks aren't about to let that go unanswered. Three equal bros in crimson and blue recreated the awful opening with perfection and took the opportunity to own Mizzou by expressing KU's basketball dominance. Mizzou has never been the Final Four, something Kansas has done 13 times, and has only won three of the past 20 meetings. After this, we're sure these two teams are even more pumped to show the nation who's boss when they meet this Saturday in Columbia for the first of two games this season. We're going to be extremely disappointed if this rivaly actually comes to a close.
[via YouTube]
Follow @Complex_Sports for more news and commentary.


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Welcome2France.com, which specializes in luxury apartment rentals in Paris, has just announced last-minute discounts of up to 25% on some of its properties. Most of the deals are valid February 1-15 and March 1-15, but there are a few available in late March. Many owners require a minimum stay of five days or a week. […]Read the rest of this entry »
Posts Tagged 'apartment rental'
Top five perks of vacation rentals
I've been raving about the benefits of vacation rentals for years to anyone who will listen. So what's so great about staying in a house or apartment instead of a hotel room? Here are my top five reasons to go local. You can discover new neighbourhoods. In many cities, hotels are clustered downtown or in […]Read the rest of this entry »
Bed down in a Korean temple
The Korea Tourism Organization is making it easier for visitors to find accommodation options beyond hotels. An easy-to-search section of the KTO website includes lots of English-language details on unusual places to lay your head. For instance, there are links to over a dozen hanok–traditional Korean homes, usually featuring wide porches and sloping roofs–where you […]Read the rest of this entry »
New website for NYC vacation rentals
Looking for a studio in Midtown or a temporary pied-a-terre in the West Village? Try Roomorama.com, a new peer-to-peer service that helps travellers find short-term apartment rentals and spare rooms in New York City. Properties include a Williamsburg house owned by an actor who appeared in "The Departed," complete with its own Zen garden, for […]Read the rest of this entry »