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Saturday, August 7, 2010
As Re: Big 6 Publishx Going E-book a BAD THING
Think of it, please, all youse guys who think that publishers getting into ebooks is a good thing; with their practices in the paper world, do you expect them to change such things as KEEP the sales numbers secret for six months to a year? A secret from the author? My three HC books that are up now, I have SEEN no sales figures for whatsoever in a year's time. Why? Because I have no access to my own figures--a fact that has always been the case with dead tree publsihing (DTB)....and now it carries over to ebooks.
Same will be true and is true of my HC "so-called" team - PR, Marketing -- I see NO backup or help for the books on e-platform anymore than I saw in the non-virtual world for these titles. The titles are also effectively killed by another practice brought over from the paper world - too high a price. These publishers, and Dorchester is among the worst for poor royalty statements, unreadable contracts, etc., ripping off writers, etc., YOU can bet have not changed their spots.
At first I thought the folks at HC just did not know any better, that eReaders are not so dumb as they want to believe, so I wrote to them explaining no one is going to by an ebook set at same price as a paperback, but it is not just that they do not listen to the author, they are greedily married to an old model, an economic model that does not work in the online world (a circumstance wherein an author can make far, far more money on a title set at 2.99 than he can make on a $25 dollar hardback). So eReaders, not wishing to be tagged as stupid refuse outright to purchase a book online that is set at the same price or higher than the same book out here in the tangible world where hardcovers have become door jams.
Joe Konrath is the Pied Piper here on this subject of becoming an Indie Author and championing the author's causes rather than those of the publishers who have not given us authors a raise since Johnathan Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables was penned. Joe Konrath is the Pied Piper and the rats he is running out of town are the publishers, and I am close enough to Joe that he allows me to trumpet for him but you need to clue into his blog on this issue now if you are an author, whether a newbie or an old pro like me. Go to The Newbie's Guide to Publishing found at: http://tinyurl.com/236en6k
Whereas my HC titles are sitting like stones due to the stupidity of the publisher's decison-makers and committees, the titles numbering 40 that I have up and I control are earning out enough now for me to pay my rent and go on a trip and feed my family and buy the occasional shoes and tie. I have made more in the past month on ebooks than I have in the past three years on paper books. But my three HC titles on Kindle have earned me not a dime in a year's sitting there at 7.99 and 6.99. Sad really as in my estimation these books represent my best work to date alongside Children of Salem, my bestselling title on Kindle which sells a hundred copies a month. So will publishers -- who once considered ebooks as a losing proposition -- help or hurt authors by taking their electronic rights, running off with them, taking a big cut on books they sell online? That is IF they can sell online at all? Given their poor track record so far, I'd say no if a publisher insisted on suddenly ebook rights being a deal breaker on a contract -- as those rights in your hands mean dividends for you and not a waste of time orchestrated by them!
Would love to hear your thoughts on this. I have lost my rights to certain titles during my career, and I would hate to hear that you have made the same mistakes I have in this business. As in a casino, the stakes are against us but for now ebooks has historically given us a much, much better percentage than ever before in the world of publishing. Now that whole NYC agencies are putting up their clients backlists and whole NYC publishers are making ebook rights a boiler plate clause in the contracts....BEWARE of who you are dealing wtih and as one agent cautioned me in 1980, "These people, Rob, are not your friends."
Sorry to take the tone of the cynic but who made me so? Born of experience and it is borne out.
Robert W. Walker
free sneak peeks of Children of Salem and Titanic 2012 here:
9 comments:
- Mike Jastrzebski said...
Robert, I just put out my first book last month on Kindle and Smashwords. I have been trying for several years to publish with a traditional publisher. I did have some interest from a small publisher for my book, The Storm Killer, but when I sat down and did the math it woulod have been insane to go that route.
Now that I have control of what, when and how I publish I realize that I would not be able to work within the constraints of a traditional publisher even if I wanted to.
Mike Jastrzebski
- August 7, 2010 at 8:51 AM
- Jacqueline Seewald said...
Rob, my only question is the one brought up on Murder Must Advertise: E publishing your own work is great if people know your name, but what about unknown authors? Will readers buy their books even if sold cheaply?
- August 7, 2010 at 10:16 AM
- Mike Jastrzebski said...
Jacqueline-I had the same question when I put my book on Amazon and Smashwords. I have never been published and am unknown. Since June 30th when I went live I have sold 124 books, 27 since August 1. I am posting about my experience, how I promote, and my sales figures on my blog, www.writeonthewater.com. I made my decission after reading Roberts blogs and Joe Konraths blogs..
Mike Jastrzebski
- August 7, 2010 at 12:15 PM
- Tender Bright said...
Hi Robert,
Thanks for the valuable cautionary tale. I need some guidance on Kindle publishing. Can you please guide me towards some preliminary information?
Radhika Mukherjee
- August 7, 2010 at 5:04 PM
- The Daring Novelist said...
I started Indie Publishing just to play with my off-genre non-marketable books. I was going to reserve my mysteries for traditional publishing.
But I've been watching what's going on with the big publishers (and littler ones) and what's happened to mystery authors I know. And I realized I was having a ball as an Indie Author.
I finally realized that if I wanted to do this, I should really commit to it - and commit my most commercial work as well as my odd stuff.
- August 7, 2010 at 5:32 PM
- Ricky Bush said...
Great post. Hmmm...maybe some of these big guys want to dampen the enthusiasm for e-books by pricing them so high. Seems like some of the small pubs market their catalogue at much, much lower prices.
- August 8, 2010 at 8:21 AM
- Mark W. Danielson said...
Great post, and lots of good information. Unfortunately, e-books are not going away. How a publisher can charge more than a few bucks for an e-book is beyond me when there is no expense involved. Publishers should look at e-books like iPhone apps -- if you make it affordable, people will buy it.
- August 8, 2010 at 12:34 PM
- robert w. walker said...
The myth or lie is that no one will touch a book "already published" - and that this means ebooks will not be touched NOR anything you ever write if you dare publish digitally. Bull-swallop....Every day in the Publisher's Weekly and other pub news we hear of some author who has sold huge amounts of his ebook and suddenly Random Hs. or Penguin is all over the guy like a bear on honey... so ignore that crapola.
A second concern I am hearing here is someone needs fundamental help and direction....if so check out my archives here and at www.acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com as well as SpeakWithoutInterruption.com and 1stTurningPoint.com for articles or simply google my name with a PLUS ebooks (articles)
Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond and say hello. Sounds like many of you are well on your way. Anyone needs contact me I am at inkwalk at SBCglobal dot net.
- August 8, 2010 at 8:48 PM
- Robert W. Walker said...
I market four or five of my titles as Original to Kindle titles or First Edition Kindle titles....crank up the marketing effort. I also put it out there that FREE sneak peek chapters found at my website
- August 10, 2010 at 2:10 PM


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Moving forward things may have gotten a bit sweeter for Gmail users who also happen to use Chrome. In short, Google has made some changes, changes which they chalk up to the "magic of HTML5″ which will allow users to open email links directly in Gmail. That being said, according to Google;
"Now, when you go to Gmail in Chrome, you will be asked if you want Gmail to open all email links. Say yes, and clicking on email links in any application on your computer will open a fresh Gmail compose window."
Via [Official Gmail Blog]

subset: commoncrawl


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About Me
- Name: AnneV
- Location: Brussels/Tampere, or other
Knitting has come to me quite naturally. Our whole family does something with their hands (knitting, crocheting, cross stitching), even my father has knitted himself mittens when he was only a boy. At the moment I'm really lucky, living in Central Europe and having a relatively easy access to German, French and British yarns. And that shows in my flat. I really enjoy all the different colours and the structures of the yarns and am always trying some new stuff, techniques, patterns. And this may sound like a cliché, but for me knitting is a journey, you never know what you're going to encounter on the way. Love the experience; whether I finish a garment or not is irrelevant.


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Monday, January 26, 2009
Album Review: Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You (4.5/5)
Bursting onto the UK music scene with her debut album Alright, Still back in 2006, Lily Allen became one of many UK female artists arising from the past few years to capture the true essence of cool, slick contemporary pop music, following the likes of Estelle ("American Boy") Adele ("Chasing Pavements") Gabriella Climi ("Sweet About Me") and Leona Lewis ("Bleeding Love"). Alright, Still was packed with a mixture of different approaches to contemporary pop, the flowery, Jamaican flavored ("LDN") and the upbeat summery ("Smile") launched her to early success, were prime examples. Deep album cuts, the fast paced, hand clap chant like ("Everything's Just Fine") and the stomping, industrial themed ("Friday Night") were just a few of the tracks that made Alright, Still among the best pop albums of 2006.
Now 4 years on and we have It's Not Me, It's You, the album strays away from the traditional pop displayed on Alright, Still taking on a more mature, electronic sound -loosing the typical contemporary pop theme, linking a breezy rough edged euro-pop and fusing it with fast paced trancy beats, keeping the albums pace fast, snappy and sharp. Where would Lily be without her pointless vulgarity, it doesn't bother me, but at times on the album it does seem a tad awkward. Where's the parental advisory on the album?
"Everyone's At It" is a pleasing opener, setting the recurring tone of the album, the song combines a wonderful combination of electronic and easy, fresh pop -with sirens going off the background. The songs lyrical content is politically and socially fueled introducing a more serious side to Lily, something that was purposely hidden on Alright, Still, I kinda like serious Lily.
"The Fear" which is set to top the UK singles chart next week, is the lead single from the album, this is where you can see the borderline difference between this era and the previous, while the lead single ("Smile") from Alright, Still was an upbeat, retro contemporary track, whilst "The Fear" is a more crafted, intricate slice of electronic pop, bottom line-- I don't think the single is as strong of a lead single as ("Smile") but nonetheless it's a brilliant pop song.
Swiftly moving onto "Not Fair" which takes the album in a weird fast paced, country direction, something I've never heard Lily pursue before. Listening carefully, you can here some banjo's and faint violins running against the background. Brilliant stuff. It makes me happy commenting on her maturity since the last time we heard of her. "22" is piano based track, it's almost reminiscent of something off of Scissor Sisters debut album, the song sounds laughably cartoonish as it runs through the second verse, definitely one of my favorites on here.
"I Could Say" takes on a more trancy, digitized vibe -reminds me of something from Madonna's Ray of Light album (yes, I've been listening to that album for most of today) and Britneys "Heaven On Earth" from her Blackout album. I love the bleeps in the background, you can also hear some faint screeching violins there. "Back To The Start" is my least favorite --sounds like a grover-- but nevertheless it's still a decent track to listen to, very fast paced and tranquisit.
"Never Gonna Happen" is more slower than the previous tracks and more adventures despite incorporating nothing more than drums, strings and faint horns. The songs chorus is very melodic, verses seem a tad empty but that's what gives the song the luring effect. Next up the obvious vulgarity of the album "Fuck You" admittedly the song makes me laugh every time I listen to it. Accompanied by its playful tune, the main, catchy lyrics to the chorus are: "fuck you, fuck you very much", putting a playful twist on the vulgarity by saying it in a light, cheery voice, maybe Britney should take note on her new single ("If U Seek Amy"): saying the word "fuck" in a light, cheery voice makes the term seem less offensive.
"Who'd Have Known" is an upbeat drum based track, it takes its melody from Take That's ("Shine") that gives me another reason for me not to buy a Take That record. Yay. "Chinese" is a breezy, telephonic track, another one of my favorites. "Him" falls into mediocrity, it has a nice melody but it seems more of a filler to lengthen the album. Closing the album is "He Wasn't There" which is a pretty disappointing ending to the album, with it's distorted background, it sounds like something from the 50s, but that's not what's wrong with it, it's just a weak ending to the album, a ballad or a rock edged track would be good.
Bottom line-- It's Not Me, It's You is incomparable to its predecessor, they're really different, pursuing in various directions of pop- my verdict is Alright, Still remains the superior album, but It's Not Me, It's You nips at its heels, it just hasn't got that many catchy songs, while ("The Fear") is great, the album doesn't have its ("Smile") or ("Alfie") for that matter. It seems I'll be listening for weeks to come (bye bye Lady GaGas The Fame).
Best Tracks: Everyone's At It, The Fear, Not Fair, 22, I Could Say, Never Gonna Happen, Fuck You, Who'd Have Known, Chinese
2 comments:
- Entertainment Blog said...
Enthusiastic music, savvy you, lessen office, added to favorites.
- 28 January 2009 at 05:35
- Ken said...
wow! I can't believe that it leaked already. ANyways, Looking forward to it. :)
- 29 January 2009 at 12:55
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I'm happy you stopped by again to learn more about the Tricks of the Trade: Learn to Write for Children in Just Six Weeks e-course. Thank you. Now onto the remaining three weeks of this informative e-course.
Lesson Four: Writing Nonfiction for Children
How to write a winning query letter.
How to study the nonfiction markets.
How to Structure Articles and provide sidebars.
Lesson Five: Breaking into the Magazine and Book Markets
Understanding the power of networking.
How to Find Writing Assignments online and quickly gain publishing credits.
How to work with Editors.
Lesson Six: The Final Steps to Starting Your Writing Career
How and Why to Track Submissions
Self-editing techniques.
The importance of joining or starting a critique group.
I cannot stress enough how vital the printable .pdf lessons and audio coincide. It's imperative you use both at the same time to make this e-course a true success.
Now it's up to you, you must take action consistently to turn all this valuable information into a children's writer career. Have additional questions, ask away...I'm happy to respond.
After the 6-week is complete you may opt to continue with the expert guidance of Suzanne Lieurance. This opportunity is available through the CWCC program. More information on this additional exciting club on December 20th.
Best wishes in fulfilling your dream!
Discover more at:
Learn to Write for Children in Just 6 Weeks


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Dominick Viscardi, head of the Medical Equipment Loan Program, pointed out to me that a recent item in this column omitted an important part of the article he wrote. To show the extent of the program, here is a list of the equipment on loan and in use by Oak Run residents as of Nov. 20, 2008:
29 wheelchairs, 3 transport-type wheelchairs, 10 walkers without wheels, 24 walkers with wheels, 5 four-wheel walkers, 1 three-wheel walker, 13 walking canes, 3 walking canes with four feet, 10 toilet seat risers, 13 shower chairs, 1 shower stool, 6 pair aluminum crutches, and 9 bedside commodes.
Clearly this is a very active program that brings great benefits to Oak Runners. For more information, call Dominick at 861-4420.
As we begin a new year, wouldn't it be nice if we could all give some thought to what we could do to help others? There are opportunities here in Oak Run and in the wider community.
This coming year is going to be a very tough one for many people. Let's all resolve to do something for our fellow man (and woman) in 2009.
Little Theatre
Mark your 2009 calendar for Little Theatre's spring production of Cocktails with Mimi, April 2 to 5.
Ticket sales in the Orchid Club lobby Saturday, Jan.10, 8 to 10 a.m. during the Donut Drop-in; Tuesday, Jan.13, 4 to 6 p.m. at Bingo; Tuesday, Jan. 20, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Palm Grove; Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 to 10 a.m. at the Pancake Breakfast and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the movie; and Wednesday, Jan. 28, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the ORHA meeting. Or call Linda at 873-9908.
Be on the lookout for some of our returning actors as well as some newcomers to Little Theatre at the ticket sale tables.
Photography Club
The club will meet Monday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Orchid Club. The guest speaker will be Justin Lohmann. His topic will be Pet Photography.
There will be a review of the November field trip and holiday photos by Art Holt, followed by a "Tips and Techniques" session on photographing people in motion.
Did you get a new digital camera for Christmas? Come and get some picture-taking. For more information, call Laurie or visit www.orphotoclub.com.
New England Club
Our November meeting was a lot of fun, with 91 people enjoying the music of Ramblin Fever and a KFC dinner. The next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 15.
We will have an After Christmas Auction. Bring at least one (nicely) wrapped new gift (or feel free to re-gift) for the auction. The dinner will be ham with beans, potatoes, vegetable medley, dessert, and BYOB. Cost is $10.
We will elect officers for 2009 and collect $6 for dues. Ticket sales will be Jan. 9 and 12 in the Orchid Club lobby from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call Mary at 854-7054.
Meeting People
A second discussion of genealogy with Jim Waddell will be presented on Ev Burg's "Meeting People" from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16, following "FYI," daily at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on channel 12.
Clog Dancing
Clogging is not a plumbing problem. It is a fun activity that involves moving your feet to the beat.
Want to know more? Come to the beginner class on Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. at the Orchid Club. Our talented teacher, Joy Lutsie, will guide you through the basic steps. For more information, call her at 854-0886.
Baby Boomers
We welcome in the New Year on behalf of our officers; Brian, Denny, John and Ron, we wish all good health and joy. We thank the past officers; Lodi, Dianna and Connie for a job well done. We also thank those who helped take down the Christmas decorations.
Feb. 6 at the Palm Grove will be our first get together. It
We will have a Sweet Heart Dance on Friday, Feb. 6, from 7 to 11 p.m. Ticket sales will be Jan. 10 and 14, from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Orchid Club lobby. Cost is $5 members and $10 guests. BYOB and a dessert or hors d'oeuvres.
The club will meet Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in Palm Grove to get ideas for this year's activities. Dues will be collected at the ticket sales and at the meeting. Use separate checks for dues.
Genealogy Club
Don't your ancestors want to be found, you entered a new realm of research and don't know where to turn? Join the Genealogy Club of Oak Run, we have experts who can help. The next meeting is Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. in the card room.
Our holiday potluck party was a great success with plenty of good food for all. We look forward to an interesting 2009.
White Elephant Table Sale
Lillian Hanscom, special events coordinator for the Ambassadors, will be selling table space Monday, Jan. 19, from 8 to 10 a.m. in the card room for the White Elephant Sale on Saturday, Feb. 7. Price for a whole table is $5, a half is $2.50, for Oak Run residents only.
Line Dancing
In Oak Run we have a variety of line dancing classes that provide a level for all happy feet in our community. Sylvia LaFarr will be start a pre-beginner class Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at Palm Grove.
Darlene Miller has a basic line dance class every Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Orchid Club. Jeanne Allen has beginner-plus classes every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Palm Grove.
Irene Butler teaches country western line dancing every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Palm Grove. Sylvia La Farr has an intermediate class every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Palm Grove.
Operation Migration
Do you know about the program that teaches a flock of endangered whooping crane chicks how to migrate? They train the young birds to follow an ultra-light aircraft in hopes of developing an eastern migratory flock.
Some of the birds are destined for the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County and will fly over the Dunnellon airport where they can be viewed by the public. They were delayed in Alabama during December, and it cannot be determined when they will arrive in our area. To find out more, visit operationmigration.org.
Royal Oaks Women's
18-hole Golf
Low Net was the game on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008.
A Flight: Joanne Ellis 67, Sheila Adams 69, Dianna Love 70.
B Flight: Bette Johnson 64, Joan O'Brien 66.
C Flight: Mary Kay Frandsen 66, Ginger Drake 67.
Bette Johnson was closest to the pin.
On Tuesday, Dec. 30, only holes beginning with a T or F were counted, with half handicap.
A Flight: Joanne Ellis, Sylvia Zappia, Carole Dygert.
B Flight: Janet Tully, Judy Klein, Bette Johnson and Pat Salberg.
C Flight: Joann Cohen, Carol Copp, and Mary Kay Frandsen.
Carol Dygert was closest to the pin.
Send all items for this column to Carol Ann Wheeler at email@example.com. (Note: There are no hyphens in the e-mail address.) If you do not receive my reply within a day, call me. My number is in the Oak Run directory.
Send news items and pictures (as jpg attachments) no later than Friday a week before publication, earlier is better. Place typed copy or photos in her cubby, but keep in mind it takes longer to process these formats. And provide names of people in all pictures.
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This was a lot of fun! I have many layers of acrylic paint here. When I began to have a vision of sunsets and moonrises I didn't want to have just little 3" circles… so, I lifted in several key places to suggest the larger orb. To do that I rubbed a cotton rag wet with alcohol. The lifting works well on this piece because of the very first layer – Golden gloss gel. After lifting back to to white, I glazed yellow and crimson over my moon and defined darker areas behind it. Lastly, I applied a little bit of cloudy veil [white mixed with a bit of crimson and thalo blue] over the darkest part of the sun.
Here's what this painting looked like yesterday afternoon. Looking at this picture you can see how much lifting I had to do to lighten my sun.
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Today it's time to think about the B-word. Budget!! Just the word seems strict, doesn't it? Having a written budget is so necessary though to plan where your money is going to go. Dave says to get your budget "on paper, before the month begins." A zero-based budget is where income minus expenses equal zero. YOU are telling your money where it is going to go. Being this detailed every month helps you WIN with money. Some things will probably be the same from month to month. (Mortgage payment.) And some months may be different. (Birthday presents to buy, quarterly payments due--like the water bill. Some month you have to get your car inspected.) So yes, a budget every month is necessary - on paper, before the month begins. And as I mentioned before, for me the accountability factor with DH is good too! :)
Go here to see Dave Ramsey's Free Guide to Budgeting.
Here are some points from the PDF:
The point of a zero-based budget is to make income minus the outgo equal zero. If you cover all your expenses during the month and have $500 left over, you aren't done with the budget yet. You must tell that 500 bucks where to go. If you don't, you lose the chance to make it work for you in the areas of getting out of debt, saving for an emergency, investing, paying off the house, or growing wealth. Tell every dollar where to go.
Doing so makes a huge difference. According to surveys we've conducted in Financial Peace University classes, people who do a zero-based budget (versus those who don't) pay off 19% more debt and save 18% more money! Just from having a plan! The sooner you make a zero-based budget part of your money-handling strategy, the sooner you'll start to see your debt go down and your savings go up.
Five Money GotchasSome personal thoughts on the Money Gotchas:
And as you probably figured, if you are spending more than you make each month, you have to start cutting stuff. Use coupons, sell items that you don't need or have payments on, and stop going out to eat. Here are some common areas that eat up your money:
- Eating out. Start eating leftovers. Staying away from restaurants can literally save you a couple hundred dollars a month.
- Car payments. You can buy a quality car for $2,000, and it will get you around town just fine. And you won't miss that $500 payment.
- Groceries. Clipping coupons, waiting for sales, and buying generic brands are huge difference makers in your spending plan.
- Utilities. Shut the lights off when you leave the room. Entertain yourself with a book instead of the TV. Those are just a couple of ways to save, but they are big.
- Clothing. We don't need new clothes as often as we think we do, and buying from garage sales and consignment stores can save you enough to make your jaw drop.
We rarely eat out, so when we do it's a real treat and I think we enjoy it more. Yes, I love to cook, but I also really love saving money. Since we purchase our meat in bulk directly from the farmer, we get yummy steak cuts for $3.75/pound. I've certainly never been able to find a steak in a restaurant that cheap. :-D I rarely cut coupons, unless it's for clothing. I buy most of our food at farmers markets, and if there is a deal, I'll snatch it up. In addition to ordering meat in bulk, I'll pre-order a box of apples to save $5-10, and buy "seconds" on berries in the summer - sometimes the berries are small, but they are very ripe and delicious! And with C as my helpful food-consumer, they never last long anyway!
We got rid of our cable at least 2 years ago, maybe 3? We had the bottom-of-the-barrel option (just under $20/month), but we almost never used it. $240 saved! We watch movies more than TV anyway, so I can't say I miss it all that much.
Here is a sample of our budget - I didn't include all the categories we use, but enough that may be similar to your own and I included a few that may be helpful as a suggestion (like areas for debt).
At the top of the spreadsheet, I list income. I enter them as a positive number. All expenses are entered as a negative number. I have two columns - one for the budgeted amount, and the second for the actual amount. I round up on things like our mortgage, when the payment is usually a few dollars less. For our major bills - mortgage, insurances, retirement account contributions and so on, I have everything paid by the 5th of the month. (Except some of our utilities that follow their own schedule.) Some of you may be paid twice a month and should adjust bill paying accordingly. I love having everything paid automatically; I get emails to tell me the amount that will be due ahead of time. For example - say I get our cell phone bill for May - it will come in April and when I receive notice, I'll just jot a note down in the "Notes" section to remind me of the amount on our May budget form. At the very end of this sample budget you'll notice the dividing line. This is for our expense account. There are some bills that are due annually for us - we've saved some money by paying some of our insurances this way. So, just to be simple - say we have an annual payment of $300. Each month I'll put aside $25 dollars into the expense account so that when that bill is due, I already have the money put aside. I do this for our water bill (due quarterly) and to save money towards vacation and Christmas gifts. We do a secret santa with siblings on both sides of our families, plus parents, each other, C, nieces and nephews and godchildren, so Christmas would be impossible without this planning ahead. Depending on your needs and bills, adjust your budget form accordingly. There are tons of free budget forms out there. Here are a few samples on Dave's site.
Finally, I mentioned before that I use Quicken software to track all our expenses and account balances. I like having the above written form too so I can see our budget not just on a screen, but I use Quicken on a day-to-day basis. Here is a short video if you are interested in learning more about the software.
One of the main reasons I like Quicken is that it's easy to use and I can see all my accounts at the same time - savings, checking, and so on. We do have a number of different accounts - I have a separate business account and we have a separate account for charitable giving as recommended by our financial advisor. We can see our mortgage and home equity line and we also have separate accounts for our WAM. "WAM" stands for "walking around money"- my Grandma always called it that when she would give my sisters and me birthday money. The check she gave us was for our college fund. The cash was our WAM. It stuck. :) Each month we have a little bit go to these accounts for our "wish list wants". Guess which one of us buys more books and which one buys more clothes. Haha. :)
I tried to take a few screen shots so you'd have an idea without going showing too much detail!
Here is a quick look at how you can track items - you can sort by date or payee and you can categorize or even split the category. Sometimes I might buy household goods at Target or groceries, so after I make the purchase, I'll split the receipt into the categories so I can track each budget item correctly.
Quicken also has a budget form option where you can at a glance see where you are in a given category. Green if you're under budget, red if you are over!! :) At the end of each row, you can list your goal amount too.
Here you can see the date, place of purchase, the category, the amount spent and the notes section at the end. For places like Amazon (this was from my Amazon Mom subscription) I like detailing what was purchased, otherwise I may not be sure it's in the right category!
This is particularly helpful at tax time because I can create custom reports of my piano studio and related expenses (those of you who are self-employed would find this helpful!) and also for our adoption expenses when I was filing those taxes and applying for the tax credit.
Do you use software for tracking your finances? Has it helped you stick to your budget? If you have experience with other software, feel free to share in the comments section! Please let me know if you have questions!
Next week I'll conclude this series with Part 4- What I've Learned. Thanks for following along and for all your great comments and questions! :)


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Glad you took the time to visit my little city!
My name is Nikki Rosales, or simply just Nik. I grew up in Manila, where I took up Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines. I majored in Visual Communication which covers fields of advertising, marketing and editorial design. After I gruaduated, I got a job as an in-house artist for one of the biggest confectionery companies in the country. I do have a sweet tooth, and it helped me get inspired with making candy and chocolate illustrations, logos and cartoon characters for the wrappers and advertising collaterals, including storyboards for TVCs. Currently, I'm levelling up my skills in web design.
I'm an avid foodie. I like exploring various delicacies from street food to restos (as long as my budget allows me to) and take pictures of them. If I'm not holding a spoon or fork, I got my hands on my piano or guitar. Music has been a constant companion to me. Whether it's Rachmaninov, J-pop or Linkin Park, music boosts my mood and motivation when I'm working.
I like drawing, and I'm willing to learn as much as I can to improve. I never really planned to be professionally inclined to the arts, but i guess it started with a childhood fascination--anime and cartoons. Since elementary I was drawing doodles on my notebooks and making comics about characters I watched on TV. And through time, I grew to love designing and illustrating until I decided that this is what I want to do everyday.
Besides, isn't it exciting as a job to make things work better and look prettier? :)
If you're interested in working with me, here's my resume and email.


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bren8403 on Jul 3, 2013 wrote:when you beat final boss in azteca (undying malistaire) why doesn't the comet blow up or go in a different course?
wizardrokz on Jul 7, 2013 wrote:Azteca has a very sad ending I think I know why KI made this a part of the storyline: Azteca, first of all, is dinosaurs. Dinosaurs got killed by a real comet billions of years ago, if there is a comet coming with dinos, they are most likely going to become destroyed. If I am correct, this world came out on 2012. The Mayans were an acient civilization who predicted an apocolipse in 2012. This world is Mayan themed, it has the temples and all..... The general idea of the world pretty much brings on the ending....It is said, I know
Roberto Angleblade on Aug 2, 2013 wrote:I spot two flwas here, though very small ones, here they are:First one: You said that dinosaurs got killed by a real comet billions of years ago, well that is just theory, it is unknown if it is true.Second one: Mayans did not predict an apocalypse December 21st 2012... at all. They even drew pictures of people praising them in year 2040, it was just the end of the first mayan calendar, starting another one.Though, yes azteca ends very sadly, not everything has to end on a happy note, it just wants us to kill Morganthe that much more.
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|Eleanor Powell
|Rogers & Astaire from "Shall We Dance". She eventually accepted his invitation
That will keep me loving you,
And with your permission
May I list a few?
The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
The way you sing off-key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no - they can't take that away from me
We may never, never meet again
On that bumpy road to love
Still I'll always
Always keep the memory of...
The way you hold your knife
The way we danced until three
The way you've changed my life
No, no - they can't take that away from me
No, they can't take that away from me
Mustard-Crusted Beef with Horseradish Cream: Trim and tie a 2kg whole eye fillet. Season with salt and black pepper; then rub over prepared mustard, coarsely chopped garlic and chopped fresh rosemary. Cover and chill overnight. Bring to room temp. Wipe off garlic. Heat oil in pan; add beef; brown all over; place in centre of 230C oven; roast as desired. In bowl whisk 2c crème fraîche, 1/2c horseradish and grated zest of half orange; season; serve beef as centerpiece when catering for a group. Freshly-cracked black pepper, herbs and mustard make for a great crust, too. Anything that your heart desires...within reason, naturally!!
Cheesy-Chicken Pasta Bake:Preheat the oven 200C. In salted water boil; add 1-1/2 to 2 cups pastine pasta, or Orzo or any other small pasta; cook until just tender; stir occasionally. Drain into large bowl. Meanwhile, put 3tbs olive oil in pan over med-heat; add 2-1/2c 1-inch cubed chicken breast or thigh meat; cook 3-4mins; add 1c diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves; cook until onions are soft and chicken cooked through. Add chicken mixture to pasta; add 2 cans of diced tomatoes, un-drained, 2c shredded mozzarella, 1/2c grated parmesan, 1/2c chopped flat-leaf parsley, Italian herbs to taste, sprinkle over some powdered chicken stock; add some cracked pepper; adjust seasonings to taste. Place mixture in buttered/oiled baking dish/es. In bowl combine 1/2c dry breadcrumbs, ½ parmesan; sprinkle over top of chick/pasta mixture; dots top with small pieces of butter; bake until top is golden; about 30mins. Adjust the quantities, up or down, naturally, according to numbers you're cooking for.
Buttermilk Chicken: Preheat the oven 200C. Place wire rack in baking tray; spray or oil. Mix together 2c buttermilk, juice of half lemon, 1tbs hot sauce (Worcestershire or chilli), ½ onion sliced, 5 sprigs thyme, 3 smashed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper, to taste, in a large bowl. Add 8 chicken pieces; well. Cover chill 3hrs or overnight. Mix 2c crushed corn flakes, 3/4c parmesan and 2tsp chopped thyme together; season. Remove chicken from marinade; let the excess drip off, dredge in corn flake-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on the wire rack in baking tray; bake 45mins until golden and crisp. Again, increase quantities for increased numbers.
Baked Oats Brekkie: Spray 9x13 baking dish. Combine 2c rolled oats, 1/3c light brown sugar, 1tsp baking powder, 1/2tbs grated orange zest, 1-1/2tsp cinnamon, 1/2tsp salt, 1/4 c chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2c sliced strawberries and 1/6th cup choc chips. In a bowl whisk together 2c milk, 1 large egg, 3tbs melted butter and 2tsp vanilla. Pour dry ingredients into baking dish; spread evenly. Top with 1/2c sliced strawberries, 1/4c chopped walnuts/pecans, 1/6th cup choc-chips and 1 ripe, sliced banana. Pour milk mix over top; ensure all is covered; bake 35-40mins. If you like, sprinkle a little brown sugar over top during last 5mins.
I wrote this article a few weeks ago in readiness to submit in the near future as one of my weekly articles I write for the little local rag here where I live. After reading and being inspired by River's last post, I thought I'd post my article here, too. I've added a little to my original script...here is the bloated version!


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Yesterday was my oldest sons last day of school. We took my husband to work with the anticipation that we were going to his soccer practice right afterwards. I think mother nature had other plans.... We were rained out. While disappointed my son realized that there wasn't really much he could do about the situation. Earlier in the day while cleaning out my purse I found a certificate that had slipped out of my planner, for a free small pizza from Snappy Tomato Pizza. He earned this last year for becoming a new Cub Scout. Oops!!! Glad it didn't have an expiration date on it. I couldn't bear to see the sadness and disappointment on his little face so I surprised him with his very own pizza. He loved that it was just his size, and it was all his, and he didn't have to share (Even though he was a sweet heart and shared a piece any way)
Once the pizza was gone we decided that when my youngest went to bed it was time to tackle the oldest childs bedroom, which also led to tackling the closet. I must say it's amazing what two hours of sorting action figures, army men, LEGOS, coloring books, and crayons; throwing broken toys and trash away, and reorganizing can do to a room. His room looks great... for now! I know he is a kid so I am not expecting it to stay this way very long. But hey I can dream a little!
I am hoping to reorganize my younger sons bedroom and closet very soon. This is a bit trickier unless my husband has a day off to help watch him. He took his first steps around 12 month, each day he has been taking more and more steps it seems like. Well.... Yesterday he kept walking everywhere. So it's official.... He is WALKING!!! HE is also into EVERYTHING!!!!! He pulls all of his books off from the book shelf, dumps all of the toys, throws food onto the floor just to watch it drop and see what mommy and daddy will do. Fun times with a toddler! He is learning cause and effect without realizing it. What happens if I drop this? What happens when I climb on the couch? (Mommy freaks out) Boys seem so fearless.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day! God bless each and everyone of my readers!
Until next time,


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Opponents accuse Miller of wanting to repeal 17th amendment
According to the Fairbanks News-Miner (and reported at PA early yesterday):
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller told a Fairbanks audience Monday that he would back an amendment to repeal the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constititution.
Why would an opponent, drawing from a credible news source's attribution, be "accusing" Miller, when it appears that Miller proudly asserted his belief? You've got me.
The tone of KTUU's print piece on this is somewhat strange, turning the issue around from one of Miller having had made the statement in a public forum (not very well attended though - less than 200 in the Carlson Arena), to one of his opponents making accusations. Alaska journalism at its worst? No, but dismal.
II. For Alaska citizen journalism at its best, one needs look no further than the bombshell story broken Tuesday by Jeanne Devon at The Mudflats and at Huffington Post (where it was headlined for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon):
Internal Emails Suggest Palin to Run for President
AK Muckraker has managed to get hold of emails from within Tea Party Central that show how thin-skinned Todd Palin can be. They also point toward what I've been predicting will happen - Palin's announcement on February 6th, 2011, that she will be starting an exploratory campaign setup for a presidential run in 2012.
Why that date? It will be Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday. She uses Reagan as her most frequent prop, and although I'm sure he'd be turning over in his grave if he knew who it is that seems to invoke his spirit most frequently in American politics, Ronnie's 100th and at his Presidential Library is the most likely place for the announcement.
III. This is already beginning to look like Joe the Teabagger's worst week yet, but there may be a lot more in store for the next John Lindauer before Friday afternoon gives him a bit of respite and time to visit with close friends.


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(PRWEB) October 05, 2012
Streaming Media magazine and StreamingMedia.com, the leading publications on online video, announced their second annual list of the 100 Companies That Matter Most in Online Video. The Top 100 list recognizes those companies that have had a significant impact on the online video ecosystem, as deemed by a panel of 11 industry experts and Streaming Media editors.
The judges recognized the top 100 companies by the current contributions these companies are making to the online video industry. The list helps to show where the industry is headed and who is driving that movement. The Streaming Media 100 list includes a variety of companies, from small, nimble startups to large publicly traded entities.
Included in the Streaming Media 100 list are these companies:
NewTek, Inc.
Thomson Reuters
Roku, Inc.
For a complete list, go to http://www.streamingmedia.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=85287
This list has been released just in time for the Streaming Media West Conference, taking place October 30–31 (http://www.streamingmedia.com/Conferences/West2012), where many of the Top 100 will be represented. Some will have speakers at the podium, while others will be displaying on the exhibit floor so show attendees can see firsthand the impact they are having on streaming media.
About Streaming Media Magazine
Streaming Media magazine is the leading publication discussing all forms of online video technology and business models. The magazine also administers and hosts the annual Streaming Media East, Streaming Media West, Content Delivery Summit, and Enterprise Video conferences. Each of these properties is solely focused on giving attendees the chance to see and hear the best and the brightest minds in the online video industry — at the podium, in the Exhibit Hall, and among the attendees. For more information about the magazine, its editorial calendar, its events or Streaming Media magazine in general, please visit us on the web at http://www.streamingmedia.com, or on Twitter at @StreamingMedia (http://twitter.com/StreamingMedia). The StreamingMedia.com website (which is updated daily) and Streaming Media magazine are properties of Information Today, Inc.


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Borderless river cruising in Myanmar
Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai (03.02.2014)
Pandaw Cruises, pioneers of river cruising in Southeast Asia, is building smaller, shallow-draft vessels to open up the virtually untapped spectacular upper reaches of the Chindwin and Ayeyarwady rivers in Myanmar.
This will mean year-round cruising for the first time through some of the most picturesque mountain and forest scenery in Southeast Asia right up to near the Indian border with calls at towns and tiny villages rarely seen by tourists.
Australian representative for Pandaw Cruises, John Boyd, said the company, which currently operates 11 vessels in Myanmar and Viet Nam with two more scheduled for 2014, was concentrating on building shallow-draft ships for more in-depth exploration.
This was contrary to the policy of other river operators frantic to build or buy large capacity less-navigable river craft for the already crowded Bagan-Mandalay sector of the Ayeyarwady River, he said.
The new shallow-draft 40-passenger Pandaw Kindat and Pandaw Kalaw can cruise to areas in Myanmar no other commercial vessel can reach.
The tiny but luxurious Pandaw Kalay, which went into service in January, is the shallowest draft vessel in Myanmar (75cm). With one spacious owner's suite and only four main deck staterooms, it is aimed at the private charter market.
All Pandaw craft are replicas of pre-World War II colonial river steamers with comfortable teak and brass staterooms, fine dining and attentive Asian crew.
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Tea party speakers seized the opportunity to cheer Stupak's retirement announcement and put their spin on it. "Bart Stupak's demise has become a media touchdown" claimed tea party chairman and talk radio host Mark Williams as he gave credit to the tea party and those in attendance for driving Stupak from office. Williams also took the opportunity to call for the ousting of long time Michigan senator Carl Levin. Grassroots in Michigan's Joan Fabiano urged attendees to become more involved in politics at the local level.
Tea Party Chairman Mark Willaims speaks to the crowd at the
Tea Party Express III's whistlestop in Petoskey, Michigan.
Describing Stupak as "arrogant" after his televised comments about making the Tea Party spend money needlessly on ads encouraging voters not to re-elect him Williams did thank the retiring senator for the timing of his announcement eluding that it saved his organization $200,000 since they will no longer have to run the ads.
An anti war activist carries a sign through the crowd at the Tea Party
Express III's whistlestop in Petoskey, Michigan.
While a lot of national media seems to like to paint tea party members as religious fanatics and conservative radicals that was not the crowd that showed up at this mornings event. Lawyers and local business owners stood shoulder to shoulder with working class citizens to listen to Tea Party speakers and political candidates. Anti war activists mingled in the crowd and chatted with each other without problems and other than an occasional drive through local law enforcement was for the most part unseen.
The Tea Party Express III will visit Traverse City, Big Rapids, Grand Rapids and Lansing today before wrapping up their Michigan events in Detroit Sunday morning.


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My homemade ad on Facebook actually worked! (Even I'm surprised.)
October 21, 2009
I wasn't expecting much when I placed a tiny ad for my novel, The Happy Soul Industry on Facebook. It's been a year since the book came out and most of my marketing efforts are complete. While I'm delighted by the mostly-positive reviews, I could always sell more copies! The "create your own ad" link on Facebook caught my eye. I figured what the hell. I make ads for a living. How hard could this be? I knew a lot of potential readers were on Facebook. Why not give it a try?
As directed, I downloaded a photo of my novel and wrote a piece of copy. While I can't replicate the ad for you, I've attached its elements. As you can see, I used a made up word: sacrelicious. It's something Homer Simpson says on an episode equating donuts with religion.
The mega-popular social network offers the ad-making service to all its users. You can either pay by impressions or clicks. I chose clicks. You also get to choose your target market(s). You do this by picking tags. Given the story, I chose "God" and "advertising" among others. Facebook informed me there were about 1.5 million users who fit that description. That'll work. Now you offer the amount you're willing to pay for a click, any number you want. They suggest a figure with the caveat being the more you bid the more they'll run your ad. I went in for a dollar per click.
The next morning I checked the stats on my book's website, which was the URL I chose for click-thru. I had three. Then I checked my book number on Amazon. Lo and behold it had gone down. Somebody had visited the site and somebody had bought a copy of the novel. Advertising works!
Well, three clicks do not make a best seller. Chuckling, I went about my business. 24 hours later, I looked behind the curtain again. This time a bigger deal. Some 200 people had clicked on my piss-ant, little ad! Lest you think I was out 200 bucks, too, bear in mind I'd capped my spending at $50 dollars a day. Not too shabby. A guy could get used to this!
Anyway, let this blog post serve as my official endorsement for creating your own ad on Facebook. It really, really works! Now, for the love of God, can I get you to read my novel? It's right here for a song! The Happy Soul Industry on Amazon
4 Responses to "My homemade ad on Facebook actually worked! (Even I'm surprised.)"
October 22, 2009 at 12:51 am
I've had tremendous lick with facebook ads. We promoted Chuck Norris' tv fighting league live events- great last minute couponing vehicle.
As for your book- autograph a couple copies and some of your friend/fans will help with the talley. I'll take two for starters. Best.
October 26, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Hey Steffan,
Thanks for sharing the post of your success on Facebook. What I really enjoyed about it is it's a great example of a marketing specialist, such as yourself, using his own dime to promote his own product – significantly different from promoting a client's business or product.
Your post got me thinking about something I would love to hear your perspective on. It seems that there are some agencies, namely Anomaly and Mother NY from what I have seen, that are promoting their own tangible products, not just marketing services, as a part of their business model. Mother's Creative Director put it best in a recent Ad Age article about a book series they launched: "We're always looking at other types of revenue streams."
I find this to be a fascinating evolution of the agency model but also conflicting with age-old business knowledge, specifically, stick with what you are really good at. You know, core competencies and all of that other fun stuff.
Although somewhat off topic from your blog post, I am wondering if have any opinions on this business model. I would love to hear of any experiences or observations you may have.
Thanks, as always for your insight! And for the record, I still need to grab a copy of your book – I'm on it!


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Her I am in this fancy seat that used to be a car seat. My Mom kept it so us girls could play house with it. Westin used it while we were there. I think the bottom left picture looks like Westin.
27 February 2010
Westin & Mommy
Posted by Christi Pobst at 9:56 PM No comments: Links to this post
Happy Birthday Grandpa Bair
Grandpa Bair turned another year older back on the 18th. I think he had a great day!
Grandpa I hope you know that we miss you over here. Westin loves being able to skype with you but he can't wait for you to hold him again.
Here is a cute picture of Westin and his Grandpa as a new baby.
They have a little bit of a resemblance I think.
Love you Grandpa!
Posted by Christi Pobst at 9:53 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
6 Months
Now that Westin is almost 7 months old I better get his 6 month stats up. He is still a chunk but not quite as big as he was.
:: Weight - 18lb 2oz 63% ::
:: Height - 28" 93% ::
:: Head - 43 cm ::
Can you believe his Height percentage? Are you kidding. Where is that height from?
Westin has very sensitive skin. He breaks out in hives...a lot. The doctor said as long as they are bothering his breathing he is fine.
Westin still doesn't eat very well although he is getting MUCH better. This is Matt's attempt at feeding Westin, he thinks he just wants to do it himself.
My little stud Muffin.
We start him early. The next picture it went straight to his mouth.
I think this is the ONLY picture of the 2 of us in the past couple of months....sad.
We have lots of the 2 of them. Do they look like each other?
Westin HATE to be on his stomach, and I HATE that he hates it so much. I feel bad for him. This is probably the reason he is almost 7 months old and has NO interest in rolling over.
He just waned to wear the tie. Sidenote: that is his real eye color. It is pretty hard to see them usually because they are so dark!
Thanks Toy Box Tee's for the shirt. Westin loves it and wonders when we will take him camping. See the hives ... again.
Seriuosly though, aren't those thighs just so squeezable?!
Westin is ALWAYS happy. The time he gets upset is when its nap time and I lay him down to eat.
Remember how its been so rainy lately? This picture doesn't do it justice. We had a tornado touch down so close to the house. I found this out after I told Matt "its so windy, I think it might be a tornado" He said. "are you exaggeration?"
Westin loves to pull his socks off. I promise I didn't stuff it in his mouth to make him be quiet. I have a pacifier for that!
He loves to be thrown in the air.
He HATES to be on his stomach
Loves to be in front of a mirror.
Loves to talk and make LOTS of noise.
Loves any attention he can get.
Loves to be tickled.
He loves his crib and will reach for it now and then.
Loves to sit and stand.
Loves his high chair.
Loves to bang on anything.
Easily distracted.
Hates food but tolerated bananas.
He loves to be on your shoulders.
Loves peekaboo.
Loves anything above him.
Loves bath time.
Loves bike Rides.
Loves the Swing
Loves Taylor Swift. (Seriously, its wild. Calms him down instantly)
Puts anything in his mouth except food.
Loves paper.
Loves to stick his tongue out.
Loves to spit.
Posted by Christi Pobst at 9:42 PM 3 comments: Links to this post
We are so close now.
My favorite thing about this sequence, is he has his mouth open. In true Westin fashion his mouth is open trying to eat anything in sight...unless its food.
These pictures are back from the middle of January. He really can sit up now, I just think they are so funny!
Posted by Christi Pobst at 7:37 AM 1 comment: Links to this post
15 February 2010
5 Month old Westin
The beginning of January Westin started to ride on the swings and he loves it! We try to go once or twice a week to the park.
Don't worry, he still spits up. Not as much as he used to but we are always in for a surprise.
Cousin Emily came to visit and ride the swings with Westin.
|Westin learned he had a constant toy in his feet around this time. If he can't reach anything else he goes for his toes.
Westin has also recently started to sit up. Well recently like back in the very beginning of January.
He fell over A LOT. He now has it mastered and sits up everywhere and LOVES it!
Westin is now 6 months. He is getting so big!
Posted by Christi Pobst at 8:13 PM 3 comments: Links to this post
12 February 2010
New Years
We rang in the new year with some fabulous friends. We had great party food and had every intention of playing some games but somehow ended up chatting all night.
Posted by Christi Pobst at 3:50 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Westin Started Eating
Westin started to eat a while ago. 2 months ago. He didn't really like it at first but we continued to try to see if he woud get used to it. After this video we realized maybe we should wait. We just started to try again and its going....better but not great. He will swallow something and gag it back up. SERIOUSLY, no joke.
Posted by Christi Pobst at 3:46 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
03 February 2010
Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve Westin decided he wanted to know what Mom was getting from Dad! Thanks Buddy.
For our Christmas Eve activity we were with the Bair family as well as the Pobst Family. We did our usual dinner and Christmas bingo along with a fun service project. We some how lost track of the time and didn't get a chance to do the nativity. We had to hurry to the Thompson home in order to get Grace to bed for Santa to come.
|Christmas Morning Westin woke up before Grace. He enjoyed hanging out with the presents while waiting for Grace
Finally Grace woke up (after I went in to tell her Santa had come). She jumped out of bed but was obviously still tired.
This picture looks like her leg is in the stocking.
We all received fabulous gifts. I have many favorites, apron, running shoes, speaker phone for my car, a waxing machine and all the clothes!
Westin made out quite well thanks to the Grandparents. He has more toys then he even realizes!
Matt got an awesome road bike from his parents! He loves it so much I'm surprised I haven't found him in the garage sleeping with it.
I think Emily ishte only one who took a picture with all her presents! Can you tell she loves books?
We enjoyed all of our time with Family. We even got to talk to the two missionaries in our family. My brother Matthew celebrated his 1 year mark in December and Matt's sister Camille is doing fabulous in Paris. We got to Skype with Matthew and has nice long phone calls from both of them.
We enjoyed all of our time with Family. We even got to talk to the two missionaries in our family. My brother Matthew celebrated his 1 year mark in December and Matt's sister Camille is doing fabulous in Paris. We got to Skype with Matthew and has nice long phone calls from both of them.
Posted by Christi Pobst at 10:32 AM 3 comments: Links to this post
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THERESA May has called a General Election on June 8, with a plea to British voters to put their trust in her to deliver a good result from Brexit.
Making her shock announcement, the Prime Minister claimed divisions at Westminster risked jeopardising the negotiations to pull the UK out of the European Union.
Hexham's MP Guy Opperman has already confirmed he will be putting himself forward to stand in the hope of retaining the constituency seat.
"This election will be a choice of leadership for the country," he told the.
"Strong stable leadership under Theresa May or the unstable chaos of Jeremy Corbyn."
Having repeatedly ruled out calling a snap election in the past, Mrs May said she had "reluctantly" taken the decision to go to the country after seeing other parties "playing games" with the process of preparing for Brexit negotiations.
Her final decision was taken during a walking holiday in Snowdonia with husband Philip, and she told the Queen on Easter Monday before getting the full approval of Cabinet on Tuesday morning.The Courant full article is here: http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/Theresa-May-calls-for-UK-General-Election-in-June-47744210-aaf5-46cd-9cb4-68cd9525896d-ds


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Quick Reference
A small island state off the Venezuelan coast, it came under Dutch control in 1634 and was part of the Netherlands Antilles until 1985. It received self-government on 1 January 1986 with the promise of independence in 1996. In 1990, this was postponed indefinitely owing to disagreements about Dutch involvement in its post-independence affairs. Situated off the Venezuelan coast, its economy has been primarily sustained by oil refining and shipping, as well as tourism.
Subjects: Contemporary History (Post 1945).
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Lynn who suggested a theme 10 things about . . . (see below)
Today I am thankful that I don't have to rely on super hero's.
I am thankful that the only super hero I need is our Father and our Savior.
I am thankful for words like . . . I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Sometimes I may not get what is going on but I know who I believe and I know who is able. Do you recognize that as a lyric? These are the words of a hymn that just went through my mind!
I am thankful that God has supplied our needs and has provided a way for us to be a part of the Wednesday night activities the boys prison.
I am thankful that last night 2 boys accepted Christ as their savior!
Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, Yes Lord.
Sorry these songs just keep popping into my head!
And lastly I am thankful that the problems here at our apartment are worked out. Today I got the call from my supervisor that we will be having a new manager. This week the morale here has been so different since the manage was sent on vacation. And now with the official word I/we see much brighter days ahead!
Thank you Father!
I hope your day is filled with Blessings and Thanksgiving!
Here are 10 things about me:
1. I love research. I love to research topics on the computer.
2. I write grants (the above comes in handy)
3. You already know this but I love dogs,rabbits,horses, donkeys,chickens,ducks. Cat's are only o.k. but I
always have one around.
4. I always end up with library fines.
5. I lived in Boulder Colorado for 6 months. And I cried when we had to move.
6. I homeschooled (10th grade) our daughter when we were in Boulder and then for the rest of the year in
7. Sorry for your Missourians but living there was "Misery". The only bright side was homeschooling.
8. My first dogs name was Pierre he was a French Poodle.
9. I cannot tell you my favorite food. Easier to say what I don't like. . . Grits!
10. My favorite vacation w/o the kids is a cruise. I dream of going on a 'just girls' cruise.
Sorry had to add one more.
11. I grumble when blogger makes changes w/o telling us and w/o offering tutorials!
Don't forget to visit Lynn for more thankful posts and more lists!


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The BeatlesLabel: UMC
Release Date: 04 December 2015
Format: LP Double Vinyl
|The Beatles 1 Limited Gatefold 180gram Heavyweight Vinyl 2LP Set
The Beatles 1 was originally released in 2000 and quickly became the fastest selling album of all time. Featuring 27 of the bands most significant singles, all of which reached #1 in the US or UK charts, this updated vinyl edition now features brand new stereo mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios. Pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl, this double LP gatefold package also includes a four postcard set and 57x85cm fold out poster, faithfully replicated from the original pressings.
Featured Tracks:
Disc: 1
1. Love Me Do
2. From Me To You
3. She Loves You
4. I Want To Hold Your Hand
5. Can't Buy Me Love
6. A Hard Day's Night
7. I Feel Fine
8. Eight Days A Week
9. Ticket To Ride
10. Help!
11. Yesterday
12. Day Tripper
13. We Can Work It Out
14. Paperback Writer
15. Yellow Submarine
16. Eleanor Rigby
Disc: 2
1. Penny Lane
2. All You Need Is Love
3. Hello, Goodbye
4. Lady Madonna
5. Hey Jude
6. The Long And Winding Road
7. Get Back - The Beatles, Billy Preston
8. The Ballad Of John And Yoko
9. Something
10. Come Together
11. Let It Be


text:
Playboy magazine's pictorial "Girls of the Atlantic Coast Conference" has drawn the ire of league officials.
"This feature conspicuously displayed the names of our conference and universities in an obvious effort to generate increased magazine sales," Commissioner Gene Corrigan wrote in a letter quoted in Playboy's July edition. "By your frequent and deliberate use of our widely recognized school emblems and logograms, you have suggested conference and university association with this offensive and distasteful article."


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A beautiful, funny little eight-year-old girl who has a distinct preference when it comes to her day was walking to school one morning and was overheard telling her friend, "I don't do mornings. I wish school started after lunch."
On the subject of school, one of my little people started school, and for several days dutifully went to the large brick building a few blocks away. When he was asked how he liked school, he responded as only a six-year-old kid could. "Fine, but how much longer do I have to do this?"
One day our son was scolding his children about something, when one of the six-year-old twins from the back seat of the van offered the perfect defense. "Dad, we're just kids."
I was driving my four-year-old granddaughter after a downpour in which a huge rainbow formed in the sky just ahead of us. From the backseat, a little voice asked, "Grammy, what makes a rainbow?" I began my long explanation about water and light, when I was interrupted again from the back seat with this: "No Grammy, it comes from the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, didn't you know that?"
Stella MacLean's next Super Romance will be out in November 2012, a Christmas story about a man and a woman who meet in somewhat unusual circumstances.


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I cleared out my January through November WIPocalypse tabs as it was getting a bit cluttered up top there, but you can see my December report and my 2012 recap in the tabs above or you can click on the December or 2012 and it should take you straight there.
One more finish for this year:
Cross Stitch World's blog. There are a lot of biscornu patterns in May 2012 posts. It's stitched on Silkweaver's 28-count opalescent Desert Sky with DMC.
I am not sure what will be going on the frame now. I should stay with the rotation but it was nice to start and finish something in just a few days, so I may pull some smalls out of the stash and work on them.
Friday, December 28, 2012
WIPocalypse Recap and a finish
Labels: finishes, Recap, WIPocalypse2012
7 comments:
- Catherine said...
Very cute finish! I have never tried one of those yet!
- December 29, 2012 at 1:00 AM
- Giovanna said...
Very nice and colourful biscornu, congrats!
- December 29, 2012 at 10:47 AM
- Kate said...
Very pretty! I just love biscornus!
- December 29, 2012 at 11:08 AM
- Nicola said...
Happy New Year dear friend. I wish the New year brings you lots of happiness and joy. May God shower his abundant blessings upon you all year round.
- December 31, 2012 at 6:19 AM
- Erica said...
Beautiful biscornu!
Love the colors. I find these little things very intimidating! I have never actually tried one, but finishing is not my forte!
- December 31, 2012 at 5:09 PM
- Patches said...
I love the biscournu
- January 7, 2013 at 2:05 PM
- Caitlin Jordan said...
Awesome finish. I love the little camels they look so cute.
- January 9, 2013 at 3:56 PM
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text:
We saw this transitory blocking in September when our first autumn cold blast sent temperatures down to near record cold territory. Now; latest indications are that another blast of cold air will dive out of Canada late this first week of October; prompting my previous Frost/Freeze blog. A strong ridge/trough blocking pattern is being forecast by the majority of models for the first half of October commencing this upcoming weekend. This pattern would bring a cooler than normal October to Southeast Lower Michigan if it were to dominate during the month. But have heart; an amplified upper air pattern during the fall months of October and November also brings the likelihood of a spell or two of Indian Summer weather. What do I mean by blocking pattern? See for yourself; below. Note the strong ridge of high pressure along the west coast of North America and the huge, cold low pressure trough that extends from Siberia, across the Pole into the eastern half of North America. A Blocking Pattern means just that; the atmosphere upper wind pattern gets "blocked" and therefore, the pattern stalls and remains constant over the same region for several days or even weeks..
Sunday Night October 7th 2012 - Polar Projection of North America
This strong blocking pattern setting up this October bears watching for any further developments into the fall as a possible hint to the coming winter. Years back, I did an in-house research study on cold or below normal Octobers and their possible relevance to a colder than normal upcoming winter. The paragraphs below come from my Winter 2002-03 Outlook which was also, like this upcoming winter, at the onset of another weak-moderate El Nino winter.
An important change came in October (and again, one of the few cool Octobers in the study)
when abnormally cold air surged into the region mid month. While the timing of the polar blast
duplicated most in the study its strength and dominance was atypical. The monthly average
temperature for October 1977 was a cool 47.9 degrees /normal 51.9/ at Detroit. Curiously,
this same pattern was noted in the fall of 1972 and again, this abrupt change surfaced in
October. October of 1972 not only turned out to average well below normal, but with
nearly the same average temperature as October 1977 with 47.3 degrees.
While October 2002 remained warm until mid October, the recent abrupt change to a deep
500 MB trough over the eastern half of the country resulting in much colder weather bears
watching, especially if it represents an intermediate trend change to the past several
months. In addition, the near-term projections of the EPO and NAO both indicate, at least
short term, negative phases and this too bears watching for any overall, longer term trend
October 2002 was much like the other notably cool Octobers mentioned in the research as ironically, October 2002's weather also abruptly changed from a balmy summer-like beginning to a late fall-like ending; changing in mid-month. During the first half of the month, the temperature averaged 60.4 degrees at Detroit, but by the end of the month, the average temperature had dropped to 50 degrees at Detroit (and 47.6 at Flint) or 1 to 2 degrees below normal. One of the analogue winters I mentioned I was researching in my Autumn Outlook for possibly using for this winter, was the Winter of 1976-77. From my Autumn Outlook:
Weak to even moderate El Nino conditions along with a NAO-/AO- in the winter
are notorious for active weather patterns across the country. One of my
earlier studies presented such a case (Winter of 2002-03; a moderate El
Nino). A new set of analogues are already being decided upon and
watched for similarities to this autumn into winter pattern projected.
In regards to a weak El Nino winter; one possible candidate of many is
the Winter of 76-77 but it is much too early to let those "cats" out of
the analogue bag just yet. One must see how the "birth" of our new El
Nino plays out this fall and how he interacts with the phase(s) of the
NAO/AO. Stay tuned.
The Winter of '76-77 was an exceptionally brutally cold winter across the Great Lakes and actually much of the country east of the Rockies as the strong blocking pattern discussed above remained in place for basically several months; only occasionally breaking down. The upper and surface wind pattern THAT fall was one of progressively colder air masses spilling down from Siberia across the Arctic into the eastern half of the country. And; if memory serves me, it was when the phase "Siberian Express" was first coined. It was very early in my career and I remember the seasoned lead forecasters just amazed at the unusually cold core upper lows that dropped out of the Arctic and became displaced and lodged much further south than typically seen...oscillating between James Bay, Canada and the Great Lakes. From month of October; onward into the winter months of December and January, the below normal departures were larger than the month before so that by January; the monthly below normal departure handily exceeded 10 degrees!
1976-77 Fall-winter monthly averages at Detroit:
Sep Oct Nov Dec / Jan
In Conclusion;
Does this all mean my outlook for the Winter of 2012-13 is likely to call for a colder than a normal winter? Not necessarily as the discussed above pattern change has yet to be confirmed. This is just one more card that mother nature may be showing us from her elusive meteorological hand. It IS however, I believe an important card and possibly a trend to watch for as we advance through the remainder of autumn. As stated above when researching in 2002; more of than not, a confirmed abrupt pattern change in October may very well foretell of things to come. We shall see!
Making weather fun while we all learn,
Bill Deedler -SEMI_WeatherHistorian


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The thing about giving a speech, for beginners or remedials like me, is that there is a wide canyon between what actually comes out of your mouth and how it is playing out in your head. And it is frustrating to me, this disconnect; that I can't make myself do outside my head what I can so easily do inside my head.
In my head, my voice is as warm and golden as melted butterscotch. Outside my head, my voice is more akin to the sound of an angry wet cat wearing nose plugs. Inside my head, my pacing is mellow, pauses are dramatic and gestures punctuate meaning. Outside my head, my pacing is that of a spooked race horse and my gestures are more akin to muscle spasms. Inside my head, my audience is nodding and dabbing tears and chuckling at my subtle humor. Outside my head, 15 people are staring back at me like my hair just caught fire.
In my head, I'm also four inches taller and 10 pounds lighter and I am not wearing discount store pants hemmed up with blue painters tape. And I look a little more like Charlize Theron.
The afternoon of The Big 5, I was sitting in a session listening to a speaker give practical and expert advice and encouragement in the fine art of oratory. In one ear, I was feeling her encouragement and I was envisioning myself living out her expertise. I was thinking, oh yes siree, I can do it! But in the other ear, I was hearing, "Who do you think you are? You? Sharing the gospel? Seriously? Have you heard your voice?"
And I would say, yes, as a matter of fact I have heard my voice, I have a voice recorder! And then I would cringe and shudder and wince. Who do I think I am, indeed.
The longer I sat there, the tighter I wound myself into a big sticky ball of anxiety and doubt.
So I quietly slipped out of the session to take in a long deep breath, walk off my anxiety and to try to shake the great discourager off my shoulder. I was in a bit of a throw down with the evil one. And so if you saw a crazy lady coming out of the restrooms shaking her fist at the air and hissing, "Do NOT mess with ME!" — that was me.
As I walked towards the restrooms, I saw Lysa Terkeurst and her assistant Holly pow-wowing at a little table in the lobby. They waved me over, so I stopped and said hello. I can't even remember what was said, but when Lysa talks to you, she always looks fully into your eyes and beyond into your being, no matter she is just saying hello or delivering the gospel. And Holly is perhaps the wisest, sanest most unflappable woman on the planet.
As I looked into Lysa's unblinking gray green eyes, I wanted to close mine tight. I did not want to look at her because something was already tapping on the door of my heart, asking me to up the ante on the anxiety, to raise the bar, to scrape off another layer of skin, to give more than I had. And I did not want to answer that call.
A few minutes later, on my way back to my session, I passed Lysa and Holly again. They were still sitting at the little table, engaged deeply in conversation. I was relieved that I could slip past them and go merrily on my anxious way back to the session, unnoticed. I walked past them just a few steps and then something stopped me dead in my tracks and turned me around.
I walked back to the table they were huddled over. They both looked up and smiled at me politely, even though, clearly, I was interrupting. I hate to interrupt. I spend most of my waking hours trying to avoid interrupting or being a bother to others, hence my fear of making phone calls. And here I was interrupting the busiest woman at the conference.
I didn't know exactly why I was standing there interrupting, so I just blurted out, "Lysa, do you ever go to the speaker evaluation groups? You know, to hear the speakers?"
She said that she used to do that but it just made the speakers even more nervous.
Exactly. Up the anxiety ante. That was what I was supposed to do. That's why I was standing there.
I heard myself ask her if she would be willing to come hear me give my speech. After about two seconds of schedule checking and wrangling, she said yes. And really, that says way more about her than me.
Just so you are clear on what transpired here, I asked the leader of a large conference, a nationally known speaker and author, who was scheduled to lead a session at the very same time I was speaking, to come listen to my piddly little five-minute speech. And she said yes. It would be like getting off the tourist's bus at Buckingham palace, spotting the queen and running up to her and asking her to stop by your room for a spot of tea. And she says yes.
Up the ante, He said. Then depend on me.
I don't really think it was just a coincidence that Lysa and Holly were sitting just outside the session I was in. I don't think that Lysa and Holly woke up that morning thinking they should follow me around and sit outside the sessions I was attending just in case I might need to ask them to do some crazy, unscheduled thing. I'm pretty sure not. Not planned. Not coincidence.
After the session, I went back to my room to practice and to pray and then practice and pray a little more. What I had to give to God was not great, I know that, He knows that, but I was going to give all I had and more. I was going to up the ante not because I wanted to, but because He asked me.
So Lysa and Holly came and listened to my speech. And I did okay.
I recorded my speech with a little pocket recorder I carry around with me and when I listened to it later, it bridged the mighty canyon between what I heard in my head and what actually transpired. It was the most honest of all evaluations.
I was nervous. I spoke too fast. I dropped a few key lines. The faces that stared back at me were mostly wide-eyed and puzzled. The written feed back was mixed — some got what I was saying, some didn't. But none of that really matters.
It wasn't about my performance, it was about my obedience.
I was called to up the ante that day, to lean a little harder on my Jehovah-Rapha. And I was obedient.
And that is all that matters.


text: IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research and Development is a leading Online Open-Access peer reviewed journal. We publish original and high quality papers and high indexing and promotion of your published papers. Submit your Research Paper Online @ijsrd.com | IMPACT FACTOR: 4.396 (SJIF) | IC Value: 66.68 | ✉ email@example.com | ✆ 08866191212/22


text:
May Epic Reads
You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.
~ C.S. Lewis
The fantasy debuts this year have been absolutely fantastic. I binged on four particular debuts last month.
First: AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir.
Goodreads Description: Laia is a slave.
Elias is a soldier.
Neither is free.
Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.
It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire's impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They've seen what happens to those who do.
But when Laia's brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire's greatest military academy.
There, Laia meets Elias, the school's finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he's being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.
Likes: Um, everything. The world-building. The POC characters. The pacing was steady and some of the most high-stakes/impact reading I've enjoyed in years.
Dislikes: Can't really think of much. I noticed, as a fellow writer, that one main character had a major, almost cliche (coward to hero saving the day) arc, while the other character had a much more subtle, almost nonexistent arc. But other than that, I have no complaints. MUST READ!
I squealed for Sabaa Tahir when I heard she finally got a book deal for Book II. CANNOT WAIT!
Next I read A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas.
Goodreads Description: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
Likes: The cover – gorgeous! I've been a hard-core Maas fan since she had her fiction up on FictionPress.com before THRONE OF GLASS was published. So any of her work is an automatic read for me. She's a master at creating secondary characters. Lucien is probably my favorite character of all time. I'm dying to read more about him and Rhysand in Book II.
Dislikes: This book was written after TOG but wasn't published until after many of the TOG books in the series. And… it kinda shows. ACOTAR wasn't as polished or refined as CROWN OF MIDNIGHT or HEIR OF FIRE. I've never felt like the pace was dragging while reading the TOG series (cannot wait for Book IV this fall). I savored every page, every word.But I was tempted to flip through pages as things slowed in the middle of ACOTAR. Although once you're Under the Freaking Mountain… OMG! I think I got whiplash. Best third act of all time. OF ALL TIME!
I went headfirst into THE WRATH & THE DAWN by Renee Ahdieh after ACOTAR.
Goodreads Description: Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she's falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.
She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.
Likes: Stunning prose and flawless world-building. A fantastic story inspired by A Thousand and One Nights. The details Renee places into this book are just… impeccable.
Dislikes: I think her world outshone her characters. I was more intrigued by the setting than the characters. Mostly because they were so standard. Badass bitch as the MC, misunderstood villain, vengeful father, childhood sweetheart, etc. None of the characters surprised me. Even though they were standard, they were lovely, and I grew to care about each of them. Book II is going to be epic!
Finished off with RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard.
Goodreads Description: The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.
To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.
Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.
But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?
Likes: Another great cover. Another oppressed individual rising up and getting used by both the superior forces and the rebels story, but it's unique enough to bring a freshness to such a tired storyline. Lots of twists that keep you guessing. I saw a few coming, but some truly surprised me.
Dislikes: Never really learning about the red blood vs silver blood and how that all works. It's a series, so I'm sure she'll get into that detail, but not knowing why some people suddenly had silver blood and developed powers was a little weak in the world-building department.
All 2015 debuts. All absolutely amazing and recommended.
June seems more like a series clean-up month for me. More book recommendations/reviews to come.
Happy reading!


text:
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The GoalLGN wanted to create an immersive digital environment that simulates culture and community in order to contextualize language learning with an engaging, fully-realized world.
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Age Level: SecondarySubject Area: CivicsGame Genre: Card GamePlatform: HTML5
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The GoalAnnenberg Classroom wanted to develop a game that would serve as an anchor of compelling, fun learning content to get students engaged with the Bill of Rights.
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Age Level: SecondarySubject Area: Math, ScienceGame Genre: MMORPGPlatform: Flash
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The Radix Endeavor is a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) for STEM learning (science, technology, engineering and math) in middle and high school. Students are challenged to work with the characters in Radix to help the people, creatures, and plants of the Radix world flourish by completing quests.
The GoalMIT's Education Arcade and Scheller Teacher Education Program received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an immersive virtual learning experience supporting high school math and biology instruction.
The ResultsFilament and Education Arcade collaborated to develop and build Radix, which is now live to the public for play. In addition, MIT is conducting ongoing tests with teachers to measure impact and efficacy.
MIT Education Arcade STEP Program - MIT's Scheller Teacher Education Program (STEP), begun in 1995, licenses MIT undergraduates to teach mathematics and science in grades 5-12, and also conducts research and development of new technologies in and out of school that connect learning and fun.


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The rest of the week was spent primarily in Virginia. My sister and her family live in a nice little suburban community outside of DC. There were lots of parks and historical sites nearby to hike and explore. We also spent two days visiting Fredricksburg, which was a super cute town with great food and shopping. We did a lot of eating and antiquing there. Everything was so quaint, historical, and interesting.
However, my favorite part of the trip was hanging out with my family! My nieces had all gotten so big and playing with them in the afternoons was a blast. I got to see their schools, watch soccer practice, jump on the trampoline, and snuggle on the couch in the evenings. It was some pretty serious quality time.
It was a much-needed trip for me. Hanging out with family is always something that I cherish because Cody and I are constantly living so far away from everyone. In fact, I haven't lived near my family since 2008 and Cody since 2012. I hope to have a repeat of this fantastic visit this summer. Here's to hoping!
Your turn...What did you do for spring break this year?
Currently listening to...Buddy Holly - Weezer


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Any Colo people know anything about Wolf Creek?

Is it worth the drive? My son is in Colorado Springs at college and was thinking about running down there. It's a 5 1/2 hour drive or so, which we are used to driving to Mammoth from our house, but we don't have anywhere closer worthwhile.
 He has several places within a couple hours of C Springs.

(Message edited by rio_sanger on January 23, 2010)
Never been to Wolf Creek, but it is known for always having some of the best (and most) snow in CO.

If you're willing to travel a bit farther, I would highly recommend hitting up Telluride. It's probably the most beautiful ski area in the US. Has great terrian (both lift and hike-to), good snow, and is supposedly never crowded. I'd definetely check it out.
They get a ton of snow, but it's kind of flat.

From CS, most of the time, I would probably just stop at Monarch or Crested Butte. But there are days that it would be worth the extra drive. CB is a much, much better hill when they have snow.
Word for word what shreadhead said. Mucho snow, but low angle.

CB and Monarch are easy targets from Springs, 4 1/2 or 5 hours to the Butte, less to Monarch. Mirkwood Basin at Monarch is great.

(Message edited by scrupulous on January 25, 2010)
Its not flat go ride knife ridge its about a 60 degree pitch with cliff drops. It is worth the drive when they get dumped on deep pow and awesome terrain.
I have never been there, but this year they look like they have significant more snow than most CO. resorts. Over 250" of snow ytd. Thats 2X what CB has.
they get the most snow in CO. cool laid back ski resort.also check out purgi also very laid back.
|All times are GMT -7. The time now is 1:31 PM.


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When we return to school on January 3, 2017, Blazer students will be preparing for their 1st Semester Exams. Students in a block English I or U.S. History class will take their Final End-of-Course Exams on the following dates:
- English I on Thursday, January 5th
- U.S. History on Friday, January 6th
All other 1st Semester Exams will be given on Monday, January 9th through Thursday, January 12th with Friday, January 13th serving as an Exam Make-up Day, To view the daily exam schedule for this week, please click on the image. January 13th as a make-up day. Both January 12th and January 13th will be half-days for students. Students who are taking an English 1 block class will take their End-of-Course Exam on January 5th.


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John Ivison writes in the National Post, "If the elites are wrong about their 'man-made climate change' fixation, they'll pay dearly for it." He figures that have gone so all-in that their credibility will be shot.
I don't see why. The mistakes of the elite seem generally to disappear quietly and completely down the memory hole. Why should this time be different?
Remember "peak oil"? Remember how we were going to run out of water? Remember how the world would soon dissolve in war over basic resources? Remember how we were going to run out of food? Remember global cooling? Remember the population bomb?
When you're my age, you'll remember when it was imperative to get out and get some sun, then it was imperative to stay out of the sun, now it's imperative to get out and get some sun. You must not eat eggs. You must eat eggs. Cholesterol is bad. Some cholesterol is good. You need cholesterol. Use artificial sweeteners to get thin. Avoid artificial sweeteners: they make you fat.
What usually happens is just silence regarding the previous, disproven error. Nobody says anything.
What sometimes happens is that it is claimed later to all have been a joke. You mean anyone took me literally? This is especially the case, it seems, with feminist inventions, like the one that "rule of thumb" originally meant the right to beat your wife with a stick. It turns out such things were always meant "ironically."
If all else fails, or even when it does not, the cutest tactic is to run around to the head of the parade and start to denounce those guys who believe such old nonsense. A good thing you have experts like me to enlighten you that the "general opinion" is wrong! Never noting that it was not the general opinion, but the opinion of the experts in the field. Sometimes including the speaker.
Has anything changed to make it no longer so?
Perhaps it has. At least the elites no longer have a lid on the media. And you can Google up old news stories now.