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Saturday 28th July, 2012
2:30pm to 3:45pm
SharePoint out of the box is a powerful platform. Unfortunately, many organizations seem to think that governance is also out of the box. It isn't. The result? Site sprawl, unfettered content, and general process lawlessness. This is a fairly common problem, and there are definitely steps you can tackle to quickly get back on track. In this session, we'll discuss several real-world strategies for gaining control over your SharePoint environments, better aligning your SharePoint efforts with organizational goals, and dramatically improving your chances of meeting end user expectations.
4:15pm Getting Ready for SharePoint vNext by Chris McNulty
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I have it: 75 I had it: 15 I want it: 76 My signature: 3
Designers » I-K » I Profumi di Firenze Oriental Woody « Groups
I have it: 75 I had it: 15 I want it: 76 My signature: 3
Ambra del Nepal is a sensual and luxurious oriental scent composed of amber, cardamom and creamy vanilla from Madagascar. Available in bottles of 12 and 50 ml. Ambra del Nepal was launched in 1990. The nose behind this fragrance is Giovanni Di Massimo.
Perfume rating: 4.51 out of 5 with 82 votes.
Middle Notes
Base Notes
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I don't know what to think about this one, really. I feel like there is much more to this perfume than meets the eye (nose?), and certainly more notes than the listed ones. Is it a vanillic amber? Yes, definitely. But I also detect a muted black cherry, dried fruit and even rose. I cannot seem to put my finger on this composition, it is somehow fleeting and eludes me.
Delicious and warm, safe and comforting. When you want to feel as though you've been embraced by the one who loves you most or at the very least the warmest cashmere blanket--wear this. It starts with spice that mellows into a warm heat on the skin circling around a toffee center. It's not a gourmand however, instead it moves beyond the momentary sensation of the palate and evokes the psychological references that we associate with richly decadent and comforting aroma of freshly made toffee or a caramelized brulee.
Purchased the bottle as a blind buy and I am so happy that I did. While I can't say that this will be an all time favorite, I do see it as a recurring winter/cold weather indulgence. I'm finding that it's also good layered beneath lighter honey scents often put away for the summer and spring---it provides a solid base.
As an aside, I find it so funny that every perfume listed as "enjoyed by those who like this perfume on the Fragrantica side bar for this perfume are perfumes that I either own (and love) or desire (and love).
Hilarious. They have me pegged!
Light fresh vanilla , the cardamon is there but sits right behide the amber hidden. It stays warm and cozy but after 6 hours it gets a freshness. It is a light skin scent. Love it layered. I have received complements after I could no longer smell it. Nice but light.
A very pleasant vanilla-amber with decent longevity that sits fairly close to the skin. While it's very cozy and warm, there's not much to make me reach for this as opposed to any other number of vanilla-ambers that have a bit more interest or sillage.
Probably won't buy a full bottle of this, but maybe a small decant. It is very nice and cozy, but a little too simplistic for my tastes.
Lovely, sublime, comforting and yet also arousing in the right context. Not a terribly complex fragrance but still an all time favorite and my signature scent. I suppose it must be the naturalness of the ingredients and the purity of the recipe. Definitely look up the story behind this brand. This is a fragrance that could become your signature - a true and basic recipe that mends to your own chemistry and will fetch you compliment after compliment.
Lovely, warm and spicy with a great vanilla note that lasts through the drydown. The cardamom is very much in play and it gives a beautiful spicy note to the fragrance. This lasts a few hours on skin. Not a whole lot of sillage, but who needs it when you feel so cosy with this scent on your skin.
When I first tried this scent I found the vanilla a bit too sweet in the middle notes, but this time around I am loving it. It reminds me of a much more reasonably priced but still lovely Ambre Narguile.
I give this one two thumbs up particularly for the value. A nice sized bottle is only $99 at Barney's so I bought it with the Barney's gift certificate I got for Christmas. This is a very lovely scent that gets better and better on your skin as the hours go by.
What to say after Kterhark and Doc Elly, except my ears are curling with pleasure.
My ears? Yes, my ears.
My nose is drunk.
I _w a n t _i t
longevity: after 12 hours my skin is still giving exquisite amber
My first thought upon applying was bubblegum. As in, that the pink sugary bubblegum dusted with powder that you get on Halloween but no one wants to eat. Blergh.
This is fruity and sweet amber, not smokey, sensual amber. Ambra del Nepal is melon and sweet resins, and that's about it. No spices, no oriental vibe...just honeydew melon slathered in honey-sweet resins. Extra sad points because I can't smell any cardamom in this, and it's my favorite spice. I'll pass.
A rich amber full of an intense cistus oil (a form of labdanum), incense, resins, sweet vanilla, and something that smells like apples. I don't smell much of anything spicy, so if there's cardamom in the mix it's not obvious.
Overall, this is similar to Madini Ambre, Olympic Orchids Amber, and Hermes Ambre Narguile, sort of like a cross between the three, but sweeter than any of them, fruiter than the first two, and lacking the strong musk that is in the third. Having said this, I obviously love Ambra del Nepal.
The sillage lasts for about 2-3 hours, after which it becomes a sweet, slightly musky and spicy skin scent. The spice at this point is more like cinnamon than cardamom. Even the skin scent is gone after 4-5 hours, so longevity is moderate. Overall, this is an excellent fragrance, worth trying if you like amber.
This is such a well covered genre that the only thing you can do as a perfumer is not make a mistake.
So how does i profumi fare? Well. But I must confess, I LOVE amber fragrances; they ooze opulence and well being. Give me amber as the leading character and I'll give you my undying adoration.
But Profumi adds a special treat. I don't know how it's happening, but there is a low humming incence vibe. Not church-y incense, but boudoir sensuous incense. Mmm.
Oh, and did I mention the price? Very affordable in the smaller size. I may have to give in on this one...
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Loading... Knock Knock (edition 2012)by Suzanne McNear
Work detailsKnock Knock by Suzanne McNear
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. One of those books that no matter how many times I picked it up, I couldn't get into to. I only manged to get about half way before I gave up, for now at least. Not to say that it is a bad story, but something about it just didn't pique my interest. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to pick it up again and get sucked in. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I found this book to be confusing at first-a memoir about the author presumably but with a different name and written in the third person. March, the main character, lives a very emotional life told in a poetic, almost flat way. This is a unique book-not totally my taste but I did appreciate the writing and the story.This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I really didn't care for this book. It took me a few weeks of picking it up and putting it back down to actually get through the first few pages. It seemed like it was overly-stylized and wordy. Every time it felt like it was going in one direction and getting to the point, it veered off another way and lost me again.This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Knock Knock by Suzanne McNear is fantastic. The narrative is a bit stream of consciousness, although it is a third person narrator, not first person. The book follows March Rivers through her life, from childhood to old age, concentrating a lot on her emotional responses to events. So much of what March feels is relatable.The writing style is unique and provocative. As lyrical as poetry. Again, part of the point of the book (in my opinion) was to focus on March's emotions, so this style works well. The immediacy is clear and strong. I know not everyone will enjoy this novel, but fans of literary fiction will. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Wow, what a surprisingly delightful book! I received a copy from the publisher and, admittedly it did take me a while to really get into the story. The book is described as a "fictional memoir" but it didn't read like a memoir to me. It was actually quite stylized and reminded me of "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man." It sort of meandered from one moment to the next and the lack of quotation marks was at first difficult to adjust to but later helped the narrative to flow unencumbered. Once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. It's beautifully written; in fact it's quite lyrical. The story is that of March, who begins life as a rather unhappy soul and descends into a downward spiral of depression and hopelessness. Eventually she slowly begins to come out and find her way in the world. There did come a point where I worried that the story would go so deep into this woman's troubled mind, that I would somehow lose the empathy I had for her, or perhaps the belief I had that her struggles mirrored many other woman living in the same time period. But the author pulled her out, slowly and realistically, and in the end, while her life wasn't perfect, March indeed had a story that was worth sharing. I highly recommend this book and hope to convince several of my friends to read it, as the constant literary references and unique story should lead to many interesting discussions. no reviews | add a review
References to this work on external resources. Wikipedia in EnglishNone No descriptions found. This fictional memoir establishes Suzanne McNear as a distinctive voice in American literature. Written with the same quirky, ironic sensibility that brought praise for her story collection, Drought, it carries the reader through the upheavals of the sixties and seventies - the impact of Betty Friedan, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the Vietnam War - in a style that is comic and painful and true. It traces March River's journey from before birth, through her early years in a small Midwestern city where she felt always slightly out of step, east to boarding school in Connecticut, and finally to Vassar, where she finally felt at home. Unfortunately, on graduation, and unlike most of her classmates, she has no engagement ring, nor promise of one. "Perhaps you're one of those people who will never marry," her mother , a woman known to rattle her pearls and hit a mean golf ball announces. After various jobs in New York and a love affair that ends abruptly she follows what seems the only practical path; pregnancy, marriage, children and life in Chicago. Seven years later, after many upheavals, there is a divorce and a terrifying breakdown. Her husband's chief occupation was writing mystery novels and opening bottles of Heaven Hill bourbon. Life was marked by the birth of three daughters and economic disaster. This is a portrait of a woman who is fragile, uncertain, sometimes overwhelmed by life, but also fiercely committed to the survival of herself and her daughters. With courage, black humor, and unusual literary friendships, which included Saul Bellow, she eventually becomes an editor at Playboy and finally finds a sense of peace and accomplishments. "Former Playboy fiction editor McNear's memoir recounts the life of an indecisive character, 'March Rivers', so constantly conflicted it seems extraordinary that she ever finds her way. Her self-effacing wit, pointed observations, and purposefully stilted dialogue are instantly relatable and charged with dark humor. Readers will get the sad sense of time passing McNear's directionless life: a relatively long, horrendous marriage; the subsequent divorce; depressions and nervous breakdowns all impenetrable barriers to success. McNear's book is a deeply pleasurable read and a reminder that not everyone worth admiring has a plan." --Publishers Weekly… (more) (summary from another edition) |
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LibraryThing Early Reviewers AlumnKnock, Knock by Suzanne McNear was made available through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Sign up to possibly get pre-publication copies of books. Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |


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Endangered Species in the Pacific IslandsGreen Turtle / Chelonia mydas / Honu
The term "green" applies not to the external coloration, but to the color of the turtle's subdermal fat. The carapace of adult honu is light to dark brown, sometimes shaded with olive, with radiating wavy or mottled markings of a darker color or with large blotches of dark brown. |


text: New Book Ponders Western Male/Asian Female Erotic ObsessionSadie Stein6/16/09 4:00pm53EditPromoteGo to permalinkI used to know a dude who seemed to think having an "Asian fetish" was a badge of honor. It wasn't that he happened to date Asian women; he wouldn't date anyone else. And he talked about it. A lot.


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Come in an browse awhile through our growing collection of funny science, humorous physics, and comical astronomy designs. While you're here, glance over the whimsical and sometimes satirical math and college humor designs. Find one that reflects your passion and your sense of humor.
Landscapes Check out these colorful landscape paintings rendered on posters. Find the one that reminds you of your favorite place. |
Science If you like science and have a sense of humor, check out this collection of humorous astronomy, physics, and other science designs. |
Humorous Science Limericks Get a chuckle and learn a bit of science with these humorous science limerick designs. |
Math Humor If numbers are you thing, then check out these humorous math designs. They're perfect for Pi day worshipers, math students, and mathematicians. |
Linux Humor If open source Linux is your passion, then check out this collection of humorous Linux designs. |
Comical Shirts Here's a hilarious selection of comical and college humor t-shirt and sweatshirt designs. Life getting you down? Then get a shirt that will make you laugh and relax. |
Climate Change If you want to help spread the message about the perils of climate change, or the things we can do about it, check out these designs. |
Careers This section is just for you career minded people who want to show proudly your career choice. |


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Vinyl Asylum Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ. |
In Reply to: How many hours can one expect from a new cartridge posted by jaiello on April 28, 2007 at 04:32:49:
I get about 1500 hours on my Benz Ruby. Re-tipping is far less expensive than buying a new cartidge. Not too bad once you make the initial purchase. Also, if you dont use a record cleaning machine, the life is shorter.
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- Re: How many hours can one expect from a new cartridge - Sherlock 09:18:30 04/28/07 (1)
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Get a free sample of the new Smarty Pants Childrens' Vitamins by liking their Facebook page and filling out the form on the Signup Form Tab. One winner will also receive a 6 month supply of vitamins and 6 bottles to give to their friends!
These remind me of Nordic Naturals, so I am interested in comparing the two when I get my sample.


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During the conference, Jamie Oliver also announced the date for Food Revolution Day 2013 - May 17th! Now's the time to start thinking about how you'll be standing up for real food and empowering and inspiring your community to do the same on May 17th next year.
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Montclair, NJ (1/22/11) – Competing in its first dual meet in 42 days, the Montclair State men's and women's swimming and diving teams won 10 of the swimming events contests, however it wasn't enough as the Red Hawks dropped a New Jersey Athletic Conference meet with Rowan University at the Panzer Athletic Center Pool on Saturday afternoon.
Junior Chris Lee (Morris Plains, NJ / Parsippany Hills) won three individual events and swam on first-place relay squad as the MSU men (5-5, 1-2 NJAC) fell to the Profs, 161-133. Senior Laura Spadoni (Nazareth, PA / Nazareth Area) and sophomore Ashley Vallone (Park Ridge, NJ / Park Ridge) each won one event and then combined on a relay victory as the women's squad (4-5, 1-2 NJAC) lost 169-123.
MSU had been out of competitive action since December 11 when it swept a dual meet from Ramapo College.
Lee helped the Montclair State men off to a good start as he swam the second leg of the winning 200 medley relay team. Nikolas Lumkong (Byrum, NJ / Pope John XXIII), Lee, Sean French (Cranford, NJ / Cranford) and Thomas Long (Morristown, NJ / Morristown) posted a time of 1:40.72 for the win.
Lee collected a second win in the meet in the 100 breaststroke posting a time of 1:01.64 and made it three triumphs capturing the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:18.37. He capped off his impressive afternoon by taking top honors in the 200 individual medley (2:08.75).
Sophomore Michael Smith (Cherry Hill, NJ / Cherry Hill East) won two events of his own as he captured the 200 freestyle (1:47.37) and the 500 freestyle (5:00.17). Freshman Joseph Berry (Edison, NJ / Edison) made it a 1-2 MSU finish in the 500 freestyle clocking in at 5:01.49.
For the women, Spadoni and Vallone swam the second and fourth legs, respectively as the Red Hawks made it a sweep of the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:55.84. Freshman Kelsie Donahue (Egg Harbor, NJ / Egg Harbor Township)and junior Lauren Uckar (Manalapan, NJ / Manalapan) comprised the first and third legs of the quartet.
Spadoni posted her individual win in the 100 breaststroke as she timed in at 1:10.21. Vallone would be victorious in the 100 freestyle (55.55) and Montclair added a third win as senior Galina Loutchouk (Richboro, PA / Council Rock) took first place in the 200 butterfly with a time of 2:19.36.
The MSU men return to action on Wednesday, January 26 as they host Vassar College at the Panzer Athletic Center Pool beginning at 6:00 pm. Both teams will close out their dual meet schedule on Saturday, February 5 at local and NJAC rival William Paterson.


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Escondido 'Bomb Factory' House To Be Burned Down
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A San Diego County house where a man was operating a virtual bomb factory is so full of dangerous explosive material that it must be burned down, authorities said at a town hall meeting Tuesday night.
"There is no viable method to render the property safe," Sheriff Bill Gore told about 300 residents gathered at a middle school. "It is also not habitable. The most effective way is to destroy the residence by fire."
The audience gasped as the sheriff and other county officials showed slides of the rental home of George Djura Jakubec, which was full of hand grenades and powdered explosives in jars and in clumps on the floor.
Last week, explosives experts pulled out of the house in unincorporated Escondido, about 20 miles north of San Diego, saying it was too dangerous to continue investigating and removing the substances.
Gore said the house will be destroyed on Dec. 8 or after, depending on the weather.
"As soon as we get a clear weather pattern, we're going to go," he said.
But first, protective barriers will have to be built around the house, Gore said, and before the operation much of the surrounding neighborhood will be evacuated and Interstate 15 will be shut down.
The county declared a public emergency Tuesday to make the destruction possible.
Jakubec, a 54-year-old unemployed software consultant, pleaded not guilty last week to illegally making and possessing explosives and to robbing banks. Investigators suspect him of committing two holdups in San Diego County over the summer. He remained jailed on $5.1 million bail.
Authorities say it is unclear what Jakubec may have planned to do with the materials.
The explosives were discovered after a gardener was injured earlier this month in a blast that occurred when he stepped on explosive powder in the backyard, authorities said. Mario Garcia, 49, suffered eye, chest and arm injuries and was recovering.
The same types of chemicals have been used by suicide bombers and insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan. They included Pentaerythritol tetranitrate, or PETN, which was used in the 2001 airliner shoe-bombing attempt as well as in last month's airplane cargo bombs, authorities said.
The other chemicals were highly unstable Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine, or HMTD, and Erythritol tetranitrate, or ETN, authorities said.
Neighbors were ambivalent about the planned destruction, with many expressing fears that the fire will cause harm and others saying it was the right move.
"I think they are looking out for our best interest," Alan Haghighi, 24, who lives next door, said after the meeting. "My primary concern is the consideration of life, and making sure no one gets hurt again. Unfortunately, they're willing to trade that off for my house burning to the ground."
Haghighi had just started an Internet business out of his home when the explosives were discovered and he was forced to leave.
"My biggest fear is that my livelihood will be taken from me," Haghighi said.
Authorities reassured him during the meeting that chances are slim his and other nearby houses will burn.
"The chemical effects of the fire will be neutralized very fast," San Marcos fire Chief Todd Newman said.
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And so we arrive at the 9th Day of Geekmas. We're nearing the home stretch, and our annual winter giveaway definitely heats up from here!
Take a listen to our latest GeekDad HipTrax Stocking Stuffer to hear Monobrow's "Walking in the Air (Manic Blizzard Mix)" and to learn all about today's prizes. Then peruse the gallery to see everything that's up for grabs, and don't forget to enter your information into the form below before 11:59 PM EST tonight to qualify for the drawing.
Feel free to subscribe to the GeekDad podcast in iTunes (see the button on the sidebar), or directly through the RSS feed. You can also download GeekDad HipTrax Stocking Stuffer #9 via this link.
Problem with then embedded form? Try a direct link.
Giveaway rules:
Open to US residents only.
One entry per physical address.
Must be 18 or older to enter.
Winners will be chosen by random from a given day's entries.
Winners will be notified via the email supplied at time of entry.
Prizes are supplied by 3rd parties, and GeekDad.com cannot be held liable for items damaged or lost in shipping.
LEGO Super Heroes: Batmobile and the Two-Face Chase
Calliope Games' Double Dominoes -- an addicting new spin on a classic game
Cellhelmet iPhone 4S case – the very same one I've been raving about
Mad Portal tee (available in sizes S-XXL) and Zombie Corps polo (also available in sizes S-XXL) from 604 Republic
Balance of Power from Catalyst Game Labs
The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy and Garbage Pail Kids from Abrams Books
All posts tagged 'Catalyst Game Labs'
9th Day of Geekmas
- 12.18.12
Leviathans Online
- 12.03.12
As Ken mentioned last week, Catalyst Games and Hyper Hippo are teaming up on a digital version of Leviathans, the massive airship battle board game. The Kickstarter campaign just launched today, and if you like steampunk and war games, you should check it out. I'll admit I'm torn on this one: the physical version of Leviathans is gorgeous and there's nothing like moving huge plastic airships around on the board — but it does take up a lot of space, and it can seem pretty fiddly keeping track of all the rules and figuring out who hit what. It's exactly the sort of game that a digital version would make a lot simpler to play, letting you focus on the strategy rather than spending a lot of time counting hexes and looking up rules.
As little as $15 gets you a copy of the game — it's planned for tablet, browser, and mobile platforms — which is a much lower barrier to entry than the physical game, and there are several other reward levels on top of that. Check out the Kickstarter page for more info.
Leviathans Online to Bring Airship Combat Onto Your Screen
- 11.27.12
We were lucky enough to get to play the tabletop strategy game Leviathans a couple years back at Maker Faire, when the makers at Catalyst Games sent us a pre-production set to test out on our gaming table. The game is a gorgeous realization of an alternate world where giant steampunk airships are the primary form of naval warfare. And now, the game is taking the leap from tabletop to online, with Leviathans Online, and a Kickstarter to help fund its creation:
"From day one of working on this table top game, I learned my lessons from Shadowrun and BattleTech," said Randall N. Bills, game designer of Leviathans and Managing Developer for Catalyst Game Labs. "I wanted stunning visuals meshed with a wonderfully immersive universe and a smart and fun game, where untold stories could unfold next to endless fun at the gaming table. All those aspects suit a video game perfectly. We had several companies approach us about an electronic game, but Lance Priebe of Hyper Hippo Productions brought an amazing pedigree of experience to the table. However, ultimately what I liked most about Lance and his team is that they truly love the Leviathans game and have been playing it at their studio daily. The same passion and enjoyment I have for the game I see unfolding on their table tops, as well as their desire to ensure that experience is faithfully conveyed within the online game. I'm crazy excited about what we'll do together."
Additionally, Hyper Hippo Productions is excited to embrace the Creative Commons aspect of Leviathans, as well as Randall's enfolding of the community through years of thorough blog posts, interacting with players, and so on.
"I love board games, and I believe Leviathans is an excellent game that would provide new, exciting experiences on a digital platform. I look forward to working with Catalyst Game Labs and expanding the Leviathans universe," said Lance Priebe, Chief Creative Development Officer at Hyper Hippo Productions.
In that mindset, Hyper Hippo Productions will soon launch a Kickstarter campaign, providing the community with the great opportunity to dive into the immersive Leviathans online game and make it their own.
Look to www.Leviathansonline.com and www.Facebook.com/Hyperhippoproductions for all details on Leviathans Online: Monsters in the Sky coming to Kickstarter.
The Kickstarter will be launching tomorrow, November 28th. We'll make sure it shows up on the GeekDad curated Kickstarter page as soon as possible!
We Want You! Join the Cosmic Patrol Today!
- 07.30.12
My office is full of rockets, robots, and other retro sci-fi gizmos. I just love it. I'm the guy who watches Forbidden Planet anytime I see it playing on TV. I'm the guy who is always on the lookout for classic ray guns at flea markets and antique shops. And I'm the guy who reads old Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon comic archives. There's just something special about the early days of 20th century science fiction and those writers and artists with their visions of unlimited energy, oxygen-filled planets galore, and runaway robots and menacing aliens terrorizing Earth and its allies. Again… I just love it.
If you're a fan like I am, you might be happy to hear about the latest update from Catalyst Game Labs for its Cosmic Patrol Role Playing Game. Cosmic Patrol was released in late 2011 and the team over there didn't waste any time getting a supplement out titled Into the Cosmos. If you're not familiar with the game, let me give you an overview.
First, Cosmic Patrol is definitely a minimalist RPG (not quite as minimalist as Fiasco, but close!) — it has all the elements we've come to expect from RPGs — namely dice, characters, and NPCs — but the actual running of a game is shared by the players. There's a definite referee (gamemaster), but this person serves to provide the setting of the current mission or storyline and keep the other players on track. The game then uses the players' own imaginations to guide and create a fictional story with the game master helping to steer the overall story to a series of key plot points that are provided in some of the included Mission Briefs. Note taking is highly encouraged by players, both to keep track of characters stats and success/failures but also as a tool for telling a story later — players are encouraged to create a synopsis of their adventure that can be shared with other players online and off.
Continue Reading "We Want You! Join the Cosmic Patrol Today!" »
Steampunk Airship Combat Makes Leviathans Epic Tabletop Gaming
- 07.25.12
Overview: Leviathans is a game of steampunk airship battles, featuring massive (and beautiful) airship models and a whole lot of world-building thematic elements. I've only gotten a little farther than the Quick Start rules but wanted to give you an idea of how the game works. The Core Box Set features ships from the British and French fleets, but later expansions will include other factions as well.
Players: 2 or more (you'll play on teams)
Ages: 13 and up
Playing Time: 90-120 minutes
Retail: $99.95
Rating: Very impressive, but a little hard to process all at once.
Who Will Like It? This is a tricky one: fans of traditional war games may feel this is a step down from what they're used to, but boardgamers (like myself) may be overwhelmed by the manual. If you like steampunk and battle games, give it a shot. Mechanically it reminds me a little of Battleship Galaxies, but with more built-in rules and without all the ability cards.
Continue Reading "Steampunk Airship Combat Makes Leviathans Epic Tabletop Gaming" »
Review: Hex-A-Gon Is Great Fun
- 02.16.12
Overview: Hex-A-Gon from Catalyst Game Labs is an abstract strategy game which is one part Checkers and one part Peg Game.
Players: 1 to 5
Age: 13 and up (more like 10 and up)
Retail: $39.99
Rating: Wunderbar! An enjoyable and straightforward strategy game, with great wooden pieces and quick play.
Who Will like it? This is the perfect game for children and adults who like more abstract play without trying to see 10 moves into the future. Your opportunities are largely created by the player before you, and the best moves have as much to do with what you leave for your opponents as they do with taking as much as you can. At 15 to 25 minutes, the game plays quickly enough to hold a child's attention. This is an ideal game for kids ages 9 to 99 who like games similar to Chinese Checkers.
High School Drama: The Game (Varsity Edition)
- 02.15.12
Overview: Are you hot or not? High School Drama takes the high school clique and turns it into a game.
Players: 2 to 5
Age: 13 and up (More for theme than gameplay)
Retail: $12.50
Rating: An enjoyable card game held back by its theme.
Who will like it? Players who like an American style card game with multiple paths to victory will enjoy High School Drama. The game will be at its humorous best for players who enjoy role-playing MTV-style shallow relationships while they play. Players who want a strict euro-style build your own kingdom play experience will be disappointed; attacks on other players are par for the course.
Continue Reading "High School Drama: The Game (Varsity Edition)" »
The BattleTech Box Set Will Be Back in Action for 2012
- 12.16.11
In the realm of miniatures gaming, there's no better game to share with your kids than BattleTech. After all, this is the same game of 31st century mech-on-mech combat that you enjoyed back in the '80s. The game hasn't changed too much, yet still stands the test of time, making it the perfect blend of nostalgia and engaging strategy.
We previously featured the BattleTech 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set in GeekDad's 2011 Father's Day Gift Guide, but the product's brisk sales made it unavailable to many gamers. After only ten days, the set had already sold out at the warehouse and copies did not last long on store shelves.
Ten months and a few production hiccups later, the set is finally making its way back. Look for its upcoming release on January 25th and get ready to jump back into the BattleTech universe.


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Expertly designed for our youngest concertgoers, Once Upon a Symphony weaves together live music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, vivid storytelling, sets, costumes and images to create a unique and magical overture to the CSO music experience. These concerts enhance a child's development as a life-long learner, cultivating skills such as problem solving, making connections, focus and self-regulation, perspective, persistence and self-directed, engaged learning.
In the 2016/17 season, we present two exciting programs that highlight the season-long theme, "Sounds of Courage." The Three Little Pigs build houses of straw, wood and brick. Meanwhile, a hungry wolf threatens to blow down each of the pigs' houses. The wolf's plan might succeeded…if not for the courageous thinking of the third pig! This story emphasizes the importance of caring for others, particularly in the face of challenging circumstances.
The Bremen Town Musicians tells the story of four animals who are told they are no longer needed to work on the farm. The animals set off on their own, dreaming of becoming musicians, but along the way they come upon a house full of robbers! The four friends quickly decide to work together to scare away the robbers, discovering that they each have courage that they didn't know they possessed.
The Three Little PigsSaturday, Dec. 3, Feb. 4 & 2510:00 a.m. & 11:45 a.m
Preconcert activities*: 9:15-9:45 a.m. & 11:00-11:30 a.m.The Three Little Pigs Coloring PagesThe Bremen Town MusiciansSaturday, Mar. 11, Apr. 8, May 13 10:00 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Tickets & Info
Preconcert activities*: 9:15-9:45 a.m. & 11:00-11:30 a.m.
The Three Little PigsMonday, Dec. 5 & Feb. 27 10:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Ticket Order Form Request a Docent Visit
The Bremen Town MusiciansMonday, Mar. 13 & May 15 10:15 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Ticket Order FormRequest a Docent VisitThe Bremen Town Musicians Parent Guide
Once Upon a Symphony is a unique program with experiences that extend beyond your visit to Symphony Center. The information below will help prepare for your visit.
Once Upon a Symphony is made possible in part by a generous gift from Susan and Richard Kiphart.
Media sponsor:


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MPs were warned yesterday it would be difficult for Parliament to take action over the alleged hacking of their mobile phones by the News of the World.
The Commons' most senior official, Clerk of the House Malcolm Jack, said that the courts should normally deal with the practice because it was a criminal offence. The Commons agreed in September to refer claims that the newspaper had targeted MPs' phones to the House's Standards and Privileges Committee to investigate.
Chris Bryant, a Labour MP who said he had been told by police that he was on a list of people whose phones had been targeted, said the hacking claims amounted to a contempt of Parliament and a "severe breach" of parliamentary privilege.
However, giving evidence at the first public hearing of the committee's inquiry, Mr Jack stressed that Parliament traditionally exercised its powers for dealing with contempt only "sparingly".
He said: "I think the remedy is under the law. Hacking is a criminal matter and can be prosecuted in the courts."
- More about:
- Chris Bryant
- News Of The World
- Phone Hacking
- Security


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[ Dining Index | San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]
Past Perfect: Chef David Wang has been cooking at Wing's, a Chinese stronghold in the heart of Japantown, for 25 years.
Wing's Of Desire
A walk up these creaking stairs takes patrons through 80 years of history and charm
By Joseph Izzo Jr.
I'VE ALWAYS LIKED the sign of Wing's Chinese restaurant, especially on misty nights when it glows along Jackson Street like a ghostly image out of Edgar Allan Poe. Once in 1973, and I remember the experience well, I thought I heard it speak. A bunch of us from San Jose State had just finished dinner and were walking down the street chomping on toothpicks. I turned around expecting to see somebody I knew standing there, but saw nothing except shadows cast from the old building--all in shades of red. Blood red.
That was then, and this is now and Wing's is still open, still casting red shadows, still full of mysterious sidebars and segues. The sign still hangs at the entrance like an old trouper that has been there a long, long time, through good weather and bad--some say--since it opened in 1920.
As I ascend the stairs, I'm always struck with the thought of how old this place really is--over 80 years, at least. The clapboards of the exterior are still intact; some beyond repair, but still there. I think of all the people who have dined here, who have walked up these steps to the exotic dining room with sequestered seating equipped with hanging beads and doorbells, and other miscellaneous peculiarities of a bygone era. Even the restrooms evoke a sense of cockeyed enchantment. The men's room has inordinately high ceilings and a window to nowhere, while the women's has very low ceilings and quarters close and narrow like a closet. Or is it the other way around?
I love restaurants like Wing's that have retained their character and charm and--despite an outdated kitchen and a host of inconsistencies--survived the fray of the brutal restaurant trade and held on to historic, atmospheric touches along the way. Like the doorbells in the sequestered seating areas: On a bet, one in our party pressed the silent button, and, to our amazement, our waitress appeared. After all these years, they remain in working order. For Wing's, it was just a routine call for service. For us, it was a thrill.
This most recent visit was like so many others. I took the steps leading into the place, one by one, listening to the creaks and groans of the old wood playing under the feet like forgotten music. Glimpses of the past jumped into my mind. I saw Big Norm Clark and his rosy face half-hidden in the steam of our beef and broccoli. I remembered all the noise he made that night and the waitress asking politely that we either pipe down or get out. Everything on the way in appeared faded and worn, just like it always has, and this drove home the point that Wing's doesn't change, or if changes have occurred, they've been woven beyond recognition into the tangles of this restaurant's long and colorful history.
We took our seats around a large round table with a lazy Susan at the center. Wine and beer was served--nothing special--and dinner began. Outside we could hear voices and footsteps echoing along the street. Just to make sure it wasn't that sign again, I peeked from the window, but saw nothing, not a soul, not a car, not a single movement. How strange. Wing's belongs in an old movie with gumshoes and low-brimmed hats and cigarette smoke drifting in dark alleyways.
As for the food, I offer a quote from my father who spoke candidly about the grub he served in his own restaurant. " It's not the best, but it's not the worst either." I never expect great culinary achievements to come from the kitchen of Wing's. The cooks attune to the basics, no more, no less. I know what I'm going to get here and never set my expectations beyond what I know the kitchen can produce. It would be unfair. I come here mostly for the atmosphere, and to taste food that doesn't demand much scrutiny. For best results, a family dinner comprised of standards like almond chicken, sweet and sour pork and fried rice are better than satisfactory.
This visit, we got underway with an order of sizzling rice soup ($4.75) in a clean, tasty broth and a round of moist tender dumplings--steamed, not fried--and served with customary hot pepper oil and vinegar.
Next, we enjoyed a lush rendering of Mu Shu Pork ($6.95)--a favorite of the house--skillfully turned out in traditional style with shredded vegetables and meat mixed with egg and served with pancakes and hoisin sauce. The generous portion was enough for two servings apiece, with a little left over for home.
Up to this point, Wing's earned good marks. It was after this that things got a little dicey with the food. The Happy Family ($8.95), considered the enduring specialty, proved an over-ambitious undertaking. It included chicken and beef, mushrooms and bamboo shoots and just about everything else available in the kitchen. " What are we supposed to taste here? " asked one of my guests after taking a forkful of the jumbled goods soaked in a starchy, nondescript sauce.
The Kung Pao Prawns ($9.25) weren't much better. This famous provincial specialty known for its fiery nature and deep smoky attributes took the low road here at Wing's. There was little flavor to speak off, let alone spice and hot pepper. The prawns were interred in leaden jackets, deep-fried beyond hope, and were served in a sauce that was again starchy, and as sweet as candy.
Green Pepper Beef ($6.75) came as a welcomed guest to our table. It was a simple dish full of tender, juicy meat in a mild sauce that did not intrude upon the ingredients as did the other two. We enjoyed this one very much, especially with sides of Black Mushrooms and Bamboo Shoots ($5.95) and Vegetarian Fried Rice ($5.25).
Making up for the average nature of the food is a staff brimming with joy and good nature. To sit and talk to them, listening to their stories about the early days of Wing's, is always a pleasure especially for those interested in local history. We spent a little time with the manager tracking the origin of the name to an ancestor named Wing, whose descendant practices dentistry next door.
Wing's may not serve the most exquisitely prepared Chinese food in town, but it's always fun to visit. I've never left angry or depressed. The old building with its wonderful lines and angles enwraps you like the arms of a loving great aunt, who may not cook as well as Mom does but sets a great table.
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We were driving and came to a stop light. All of a sudden the car stalled and and when we restarted it the check engine light was on. It still remains on when we start the car. We were thinking it might have something to do with the idle sensor unit or maybe tps? The car seems to run fine when driving, however, it's a little gerkey when it shifts throught the gears. Any clues?
Welcome to Ultimate Subaru Message Board, my lurker friend!
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Guest Message by DevFuse
Car Stalled At Stop Light; Now Check Engine Light is On
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, Feb 23 2005 12:46 PM
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SPLOST Home Contact Us » Meet the Capital Projects Director - Ronald Burckhalter » Meet the Transportation Projects Director - Roque Romero
SPLOST IV SPLOST IV Ballot Language Oversight Committee » Meeting Minutes Project Map By District
Project Master Lists SPLOST I Project List SPLOST II Project List SPLOST III Project List SPLOST IV Project List
District Monthly Status Reports All Districts District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
112 Zack Hinton Pkwy McDonough, GA 30253 Tel: (770) 288-7319 Fax: (770) 288-7354
The Henry County Board of Commissioners appointed a SPLOST IV Committee that was composed of 12 members, including two members appointed by each commissioner and one member appointed by the Chairman. For the last appointment, the cities appointed their City Manager to represent their city. The Commissioners' appointments were as follows:
Over the course of 13 weeks, the SPLOST IV Committee took public input and worked closely with County staff to formulate their list of recommended projects. The list was based on projected revenues of $190 million and a 75/25 split between the County and its four municipalities. That left $142.5 million for the County's share. Using that figure as a guide, committee members first established a list of county-wide projects, then compiled a capital and transportation project list according to their district needs and priorities.
Please see the links below to view a list of all the committee recommended SPLOST IV projects, including details about the projects for each district.
Top Last updated: Wednesday October 07 2015
View the Henry County SPLOST IV Project Update PowerPoint


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Friday, March 5, 2010
Three Love Letters
Letter One: Dear Rachel,
I have crossed a line. I took in the mail and your Anthropologie catalog was sitting on the radiator. I looked both ways and when I was sure no one was coming, I took it into my apartment and ate my lunch over it. I'm sorry. It's just so freaking beautiful. And this jewelry photo shoot is killing me. It's just killing me Rachel. It's back on the radiator now, so thanks, post-facto.
Love, Deb
Letter two: Dear Anthropologie,
Beautiful work on your Spring jewelry photoshoot! I just saw it when I stole my neighbor's catalog off the radiator inthe hallway and am pretty much feeling incredibly jealous that I didn't think of this first. I am writing to ask if I can pretend I did think of it first and do the same with my Spring Collection which is way late in coming on-line? Thanks Anthropologie! I knew you'd understand.
Love, Deb
Letter three: Dear Friends and Readers,
I'm back from Oaxaca and my head is on a wee bit straighter, just adjusted a little differently I guess. Mexico was great and I am so happy that pals, Melissa and Rachel and Persephone and Kaelea came over to entertain over here. Thanks ladies. I am back and I hope you will be too. I miss you guys. I will tell you everything soon. Are you ready?
Love, Deb
16 comments:
- montague said...
dear deb, good to see you back! you've been missed!
- March 5, 2010 at 2:42 PM
- welcometolivinglab.com said...
the things are freaking irresistible!
remember this?
and this?
jerks. - March 5, 2010 at 4:01 PM
I am cracking up.
- March 5, 2010 at 4:12 PM
- Christine--RHP said...
well, at least your honest about your transgressions. I would have been tempted too.
that's one good thing about having a PO box--everyone leaves their catalogs for takers out on the counter.
welcome back! - March 5, 2010 at 4:19 PM
- bigBANG studio said...
Dear Deb,
We all missed you and fretted over you and blew kisses to you whilst you were in Mexico. The Visiting Ladies did a swell job keeping things fresh, beautiful, and captivating over here. Anfro won't mind if you use their brilliant shoot as inspiration. And we can't wait to see what you come up with.
Love, me. - March 5, 2010 at 4:21 PM
- cindy said...
oh, hello there. we've been expecting you. bring it on ;)! xo, c
ps there's a video reference on our blog today that you might appreciate. there's a story of loss behind it, but it's uplifting. - March 5, 2010 at 4:36 PM
- Katrina said...
agreed. i love the jewelry photos. and i think anthropologie will totally understand ;) xoxo, k.
- March 5, 2010 at 8:52 PM
- limonana said...
welcome back! i think that Rachel & anthropologie can't blame you, it is afterall a beautiful shoot!
- March 6, 2010 at 9:22 AM
- Vana said...
nice to 'see' your sweet face again.
- March 6, 2010 at 11:51 AM
- cindy* said...
i am so ready :)
- March 6, 2010 at 4:10 PM
- Callie Grayson said...
glad to hear that your holiday in mexico was good! happy to have you back:)
callie - March 7, 2010 at 12:57 PM
- Clementine said...
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who a) drooled (literally) all over that catalog and b) cursed herself for not having come up with that styling herself. So, so brilliant and lovely. And jealous-making! :)
- March 8, 2010 at 10:26 AM
- molly said...
i do love these shots.
they often do of things i wish i'd thought of... - March 8, 2010 at 6:33 PM
- Melissa de la Fuente said...
Truly gorgeous! We have missed you so....and I am ready! :)
Melis - March 9, 2010 at 11:49 PM
- Vintage Simple said...
Welcome back, Deb..!
-maria - March 10, 2010 at 7:59 AM
- Jennifer Perry Shingelo said...
Oh my god! I love this!! You rule.
- March 10, 2010 at 11:31 AM


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Jonathan Dwyer
Ht/Wt: 6-0/235 lbsPosition: RB
School: Georgia Tech
Class: Junior
Jonathan Dwyer's Player Profile
Would you like to write a player profile for any prospect that may be entering the 2010 NFL Draft? Email profiles of any player (even players not on our list) to our Webmaster. Credit will be given to the author of the profile.Jonathan Dwyer Videos
Jonathan Dwyer HighlightsMore Dwyer Highlights
Jonathan Dwyer runs over Chris Cook
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Ballynahinch Castle is Connemara's premier castle hotel located on 450 acre estate overlooking the river and mountains.
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If you're a visitor from the island of Ireland you may want to visit one of these sites… Otherwise proceed to Ireland.com
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About This Site Daily Musings News News Archive Site Resources Concept Art Halo Bulletins Interviews Movies Music Miscellaneous Mailbag HBO PAL Game Fun The Halo Story Tips and Tricks Fan Creations Wallpaper Misc. Art Fan Fiction Comics Logos Banners Press Coverage Halo Reviews Halo 2 Previews Press Scans Community HBO Forum Clan HBO Forum ARG Forum Links Admin Submissions Uploads Contact RSS 2.0
November 19, 2012 Link to this post
Pumpkin Voting - Ending Today!Thanks for everyone who stepped up and voted over the weekend for our Guilt O' Lantern contestants - we're still pretty low, overall, but it's no longer embarrassing. It's time to actually AWARD those cool prizes, so if you haven't voted - today's your last chance! We'll close the polls this evening, and announce the winners in the morning. (Louis Wu 15:24:31 UTC)
We are NOT Bungie, Inc.! Bungie Inc. are bungie.net! Halo © Bungie Inc., 1999-2012, Microsoft 2012-2017 Intellectual © halo.bungie.org, 1999-2017


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This photo is awaiting approval and will be posted soon.
Play our fun game and find out if the one you like likes you back. Confide in us if you think you'd hit it off by clicking: Yes, No, or Maybe. We'll anonymously find out and let you know if the feeling is mutual. You have nothing to lose!
You've already said YES! If the feeling is mutual, we'll let you both know.
You've already said No. If you've changed your mind, let us know. If you say Yes, we'll anonymously find out if the feeling is mutual. You have nothing to lose!
You've already said Maybe. If you've changed your mind, let us know. If you say Yes, we'll anonymously find out if the feeling is mutual. You have nothing to lose!
You both said YES! The feeling is mutual. Now the rest is up to you! Say Hi and get the conversation started.
I am very transparent. I love true without game or gain other than respect. I am nuturing, giving and extremely kind. I am a true woman in every sense and aspect of Eve. I am submissive to to a real man who has intergrity and not just using words to get what he wants. That will not work here. I am not a test driv honor is reserved for a loving husband deserving of a very well kept woman. I do not sleep around and I carry my self respect with a very high value. I know how to be a lady from the Church house to the pool house from the club to the ballroom and will never cause you to be disappointed in my woman. I carry myself with pride and manners.Love to joke and laugh and have a great time There is no dull moment with me, unless you are one of those who just drop off to sleep no matter what. Been there done that one..no more.I am seeking a life partner who understands how to respect and treat a true woman filled with life and spirituality.Someone who can value and understand when unconditional love has been found. A man who embraces his true age and not his imagination of him been what he truly is not. A man who looks in the mirror and see him as he is now not who he think he was 30 years ago.. A friend, a lover, a husband, who considers the peace and tranquility of his love to bring me joy not saddness or stress as I am willing to bring the same. A Real Man who lies not to himself therefore he will not lie to his woman. A man who respects women and not exploit them through filth ( you know what I mean).If you are sixty plus and still think you are 40 plus please pass me by. I'm seeking a man of man, who embraces his future of knowing that you are getting old and playing is notgoing to secure your future of needing someone to assist you. Seen that stupid man as well so pass me by. I looking for maturity in action not words.I stand 5'9 stocking feet, 180lbs all porportion, warm, sensual and just a witty silly mature woman who believes in true love.


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Global Resorts Hotel Map
The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
PhotosThe Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
Boulevard Kukulcan KM 20Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico (52)(998) 848 7400SPG Category 3
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa
PhotosThe Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa
101 MonteLago BoulevardHenderson, Nevada, United States (1)(702) 567-6000SPG Category 3
- Road
- Aerial
- Bird's Eye
The information detailed on these pages is subject to change. No representation is made and no warranty given as to the validity of the content, including road conditions, route usability and expeditiousness. The user assumes all risk of use. Microsoft, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Inc., and their suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use.


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Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Fabulous Fantasy Books
Dear Readers,
I have created a book trailer highlighting some new books I have read and loved and think you will too!
If you like fantasy you'll love these new titles by four memorable authors.
They are:
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu
The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
The Iron Trial & The Copper Gauntlet by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black
Click on the book titles and you will be taken to Amazon to read more . . .
Click on the link below to view my book trailer created on my free educator's account
at Animoto!
Fabulous Fantasy Books
I have created a book trailer highlighting some new books I have read and loved and think you will too!
If you like fantasy you'll love these new titles by four memorable authors.
They are:
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu
The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
The Iron Trial & The Copper Gauntlet by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black
Click on the book titles and you will be taken to Amazon to read more . . .
Click on the link below to view my book trailer created on my free educator's account
at Animoto!
Fabulous Fantasy Books
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Fantasy Book Reviews - The Ones Kids Will Shiver Over
Witherwood Reform School by
Obert Skye Illustrated by Keith Thompson
This is a wonderfully scary, creepy, dark
fantasy that kids will love. A brother and sister have carried their pranks
just a little too far this time and no governess will remain to look after this
motherless pair. The father is at his wits' end and decides to try one last
thing to get them to behave – the trick that worked for him when he was a
wayward child.
"Get in the car!" he yells at
his terrible twosome, as the rain pours down outside and the dark descends for
a scene that you know is going to end up badly. When they drive up to the top of
the mesa that has been foreshadowed at the very beginning of the book, Tobias
and Charlotte Eggers are uncertain what to expect. They have never seen their
father in such a state.
As he orders them out of the car and into
the pounding rain, leaving them alone, they can't believe he will truly do this
to them and he really doesn't intend to, but fate has a funny way of
interfering and as the children look around, realizing that he is not coming
back, they head toward the only light they see – that of Witherwood Reform
School. Making the mistake that they are expected, they are welcomed in and
Tobias and Charlotte soon learn that things are very wrong at this "school"
with dangerous mutant animals guarding the gates at night, older children
disappearing and mind-control stopping their plans of escape.
Children will delight and
shiver with fright as they quickly turn the pages of this book, wondering why
the father hasn't come for them, where is he and what the outcome will be. Will
the children get out . . . before it's too late?
The Thickety: A Path Begins
The Thickety: The Whispering Trees
By J. A. White
Illustrated by Andrea Offerman
I adored these two books and can't wait
for the next installment. I believe this is going to be a four-book set.
Book One starts out quickly when our main
character, Kara Westfall, is dragged out of bed to see her mother hanged as a
witch. The island she lives on will abide no witchcraft and fights daily to
keep the "thickety", the dense growth of forest, cut back from their village. Kara's
father falls into a depression and we next meet her as a 12 year old taking
care of, not only her father, but also younger brother, who is in poor health.
Practically ostracized from the village, she gradually learns that she, too,
has magical powers, but keeps them secret. Believing she can use her grimoire reasonably and for good she
soon learns that it has taken control of her. The story rolls towards a
terrible show down when we learn that Kara is not the only one in town with
magic. Who will come out on top, what will it take from each of them and who
will be collateral damage?
If you think Book One is entrancing,
engaging and wickedly spellbinding, then wait until you open the pages of Book
Two: The Whispering Trees! Once I
started this book, I couldn't put it down. The action starts and never stops!
Kara and her brother Taff are forced to escape into the forest. We got a taste
of Sordyr, the evil forest demon, in the first book, but we are really going to
know his wrath in book two. Can Kara and Taff survive the untold dangers in the
Thickety as well as this evil demon? And what about Mary Kettle, the infamous
witch all the village children heard terrible tales of
. . . and the things she
had done?
The Iron Trial (Book One of Magisterium)
By Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
I picked this book up because I liked the
scary looking cover and it didn't fail my anticipation. Many say this book
reminded them a bit of the Harry Potter books, but since I didn't read them, I
can't compare the two - (no, don't gasp, I didn't read them because I didn't
need to – kids were doing that on their own, no book pushing needed!). The evil
looking ghostly figure on the front pulled me in and didn't disappoint. This is
high fantasy and will definitely entrance those readers who love magic, contests,
a training school and treachery.
We meet our main character, Callum Hunt,
at a typical high school, doing typical things. But we soon learn he isn't
typical. He doesn't have a typical father and he actually has been told to fail
at magic. Yes fail. He is dragged away to perform at an entrance exam for the Magisterium
and his father warns him to do his worst – do everything wrong, do anything he
can to fail, he should NOT get admitted. But try as he might, not even knowing
he is gifted with magical powers, he finds that he can do things he never knew
he could do . . . and certain people take notice. With his father grabbing him,
trying to keep him from going, he is dragged from his father's grasp and taken
to the Magisterium. There he learns that not only is he quite good but also
quite out of control. He must master this even if he doesn't want to . . .
Not only does he learn to control his
magic, he learns about his past, a past he didn't realize he had, a past he
didn't know his father had, and a future he might not want to have.
One caveat I do offer to our young readers
is I found the prologue a bit wordy and difficult to understand. When I handed
out this book to my 4th and 5th graders, I told them to
read it but to then realize that the rest of the book didn't "read like these
pages" and when they finished reading the book, they should go back and read
these first pages again and it would make a lot more sense. I think it might be
off-putting to readers that aren't as astute because it is more difficult to
read then the rest of the book.
With that being said, the rest of the book
is fast-paced, exciting, and with a twist at the end that no one, I mean no
one, will see coming and makes you very excited and longing for Book Two: The Copper Gauntlet, which
comes out September 1st and which I have had on pre-order ever since!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Two Great K Literacy Apps!
I don't profess to be a great technology person or be "in the know" about the best apps, but I do let my kindergarten intervention groups occasionally use the IPads on Fridays for a special treat. The apps they use MUST be educational and linked to literacy. Since so many of them are still learning their letters and sounds, I want them to be using apps that are helping them with this skill. I have found apps in the past that match capital letters to lowercase or apps that tell students which letters to touch or drag. My students will appear to like them . . .for about five minutes and then ask, "Can I play something else?"
I have recently found a couple they will play over and over again however, never getting bored. The all time favorite this year is, without a doubt - AVOKIDDO ABC RIDE !! This is an app that teaches students letter recognition and is extremely engaging and very well done. When my students are given a choice of four or five apps, they choose this one again and again. They begin by choosing either a boy or a girl to put on a bicycle,which they can then ride down a path to each letter. At each stop, they must complete an activity to get the letter to appear. For instance, at "A", they must move their avatar boy or girl to catch the apricots in a basket as they fall from the tree. When all of them have been caught the word "apricot" appears at the top of the screen. The colored letters of the word "apricot" will drop to the bottom of the screen, out of order, leaving behind the shadow of the word, spelled correctly. The student will then drag the letters back up to the top to spell the word correctly again. What I really like is that as the student touches the letters, the letter names are spoken aloud for reinforcement.You are also able to adjust the settings for upper or lowercase letters as well as letter names or letter sounds. Each letter presents the student with a different activity for them to complete and they are all so much fun and funny! For example, for the letter "i" they must use a hair dryer (complete with sound effects!) to blow dry an igloo until it melts enough to reveal the letter Ii! They must use a sponge to clean a dirty pig and a hose to wash the bubbles off! How cool is that? Each letter is just as much fun as the next but is also always followed up with the word to hear and spell.
Cost: $2.99
The next app that my students really love is LETTER SCHOOL. This app helps students with letter recognition as well as proper letter formation - again in a wonderfully fun and engaging way. First a picture that begins with the letter selected appears and is spoken, along with its sound as well. Then the letter, either capital or lowercase (you can make this determination) appears with three "buttons" at the bottom of the screen. When you tap on the first button - dots appear that the student taps, which will show them the correct formation - but with really fun things, like beads, a rocket ship or a chain, complete with motion. The second button also has dots but the student must draw with his/her fingers to get the actions to happen, which are different from the first ones. The kids love the one that has grass which is then mowed! Finally the student gets only the dots and must try to trace the letter from memory. However if they fail to do it after several tries, a yellow dotted line appears to help them. Again, this is an app that they will play over and over again, fascinated by the motion and movement of the letter formations. It can also switch to numerals.
Cost: $4.99
I hope your students enjoy these as much as mine do!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Dot Day was Dynamic in Maine
So, Dot Day didn't start off very well for me. You see I lost a very important dot this morning - my contact! Yes, losing the dot that covers my eye and helps me see is a very important dot. I have "hard" contacts and the left contact is for seeing things far away and the right contact is for seeing things up close and believe it or not they work in conjunction. When I went to find an old one to replace it, I saw that I only had ONE left - would it be the "up close" contact that I needed? YES! So maybe DOT DAY was on my side after all. I had the "dot" I needed.
As a literacy specialist, I work with small intervention groups and today I was going to be working with kindergarten students. What would they think of Dot Day and the book by Peter Reynolds? Would they "get it"? I had only worked with them for a very short time and only on the letters in their names. This was quite a sharp detour from that work.
But you've got to love kinders. Five year olds are just so exuberant about life. I had worn a shirt covered in small circles or . . . dots! I wore matching "dot" earrings. As I took my first group of four students from their classroom to my office, I looked at them with great excitement and said, "Do you know what day it is? "DOT DAY! Look at my shirt, it has dots on it! Look at my earrings, they are dots. It's DOT DAY!! Yea!!!" Well, they rose to the occasion, even though they had absolutely NO IDEA what I was talking about. They said, "YEA!" As we walked down the hallway, I told them that I had a book I was going to read to them called, The Dot, and that they were going to get a magic dot to draw with and they couldn't have been more excited. I went into six different classes of kindergarten and took out small groups from each, greeted them in the same way and they all were just as excited.
In addition, as I read the story of Vashti, they totally understood about not being able to draw, and really loved how not only did Vashti draw different dots, but tried different ways of drawing the dots. They knew what she was doing when she encountered the little boy at the end of the story as well.
I think my most favorite part of the day was visiting a class of boys that have some real challenges and so are in their own classroom most of the time. It was the first time I had been able to get up and see them this year and we were all very happy to see each other. These boys are in 4th and 5th grade. So I did something a little different for them. They are used to me reading great picture books to them and they love it. So today, I went up and told them the same thing, that it was DOT DAY! Then I wrote three words on the board, bravery, self-expression and creativity. I showed them the book and told them it was about a little girl who was very unhappy because she couldn't draw but many people said that the book showed the themes of those three words. When I finished the book, I wanted them to give me evidence from the book that proved it. At the end of the story, each of the three boys gave me very explicit evidence from the text - i.e. "close reading" - that very clearly showed us that they understood these themes. They truly understood how this book displayed these themes and it was so cool to hear them get excited about telling all of us!
What a great day for me and them!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Meadering Midcoast Maine's Indie Bookstores
Part One - Camden
This weekend, after seeing STEELY DAN at Darling's Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor, ME my boyfriend and I made our way down midcoast Maine through the towns of Belfast, Camden and Rockland. It was a beautiful Labor Day weekend and we strolled through the towns' streets enjoying the wonderful weather. But a walk in any town for me always means sniffing out the independent bookstores to try and find books I have never seen before or those wonderful 2014 hardcover books that I must have.
Now, I must take a minute here to acknowledge what a saint my boyfriend is! He knows that bookstores and book shopping are my passion and never complains as I spend most of the time in these stores. He will wait patiently inside or outside and he isn't even a reader! Oh, I can get him to occasionally read a picture book or two if it's about a cat (we own three) but that's about it. But you will never, ever hear him ask me to hurry up or even a heavy sign come out of his mouth. How did I get so lucky?
http://www.owlandturtle.com/ |
Zeek Meeks vs. the Stinkin' Science Fair by D.L. Green
This is a new series I found that looks great for the 2nd - 4th grade set. It is about a boy named Zeek who is afraid of bugs - all bugs! Normally he wouldn't care about winning the science fair but he needs the money to pay off Grace Chang! It has some great illustrations as well as bullets and voice bubbles that kids will love. In addition, it has directions for a science experiment for making "quicksand" in the back as well as "Big Words according to Zeke". These are more difficult words that are defined such as cashmere, compliment and concentrate. I love how this book ties in science in a fun way with literacy. I always buy one in a series new to me, to see how kids like them, but I have a feeling I might be getting more of these . . . :-)
Benny and Penny in The Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes
This book was the 2010 winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award but new to me. Graphic novels are appealing to all age levels but the ones that are popular now such as Amulet and Sidekicks are for the older students. Finally this is a really great series for the very young students. This story could be read by first and second graders and in addition teaches a life lesson along with it. Each of the voice bubbles has only a sentence or two so makes it very easy to access. The brother and sister, Benny and Penny, are very cute and believable. I also bought the second story, Benny and Penny in The Toy Breaker. I have a feeling they will be very popular! These two stories are at the "Level 2" range but there are also several at an easier level and some at a higher level.
Teacher Discount: YES!
Sherman's Books & Stationery
14 Main St. 236-2223
The first thing I noticed when I walked into Sherman's was a long table with discounted children's books. Yippee! These were not old, unknown children's books either but great hardcover children's books! All of the books ranged from $16.00 - $18.00 but were marked down to $4.99. I purchased Go Away, Mr. Wolf! by Mathew Price & Atsuko Morozumi, Hurry Down to Derry Fair by Dori Chaconas & Gillian Tyler - a great one for our rural students, many of whom attend or participate in the local county fairs, and one of my favorite young children's authors, Nancy Tafuri's Five Little Chicks!
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo & Chris Van Dusen
It may not be another Mercy Watson book, but Mercy is in it! Leroy Ninker was a character from one of the Mercy Watson books, and now he has a book of his own and is inviting back some of the favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo's popular pig series! Mercy is back, Mrs. Watson is back, Frank is back along with a cast of new characters in another pairing up of the DiCamillio and Van Dusen extravaganza. Kids will be lining up to read this book or make it your first read aloud. Kids and teachers alike will be hoping for more in this series, I'm sure!
Kate is also the the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature for 2014 - 2015! I can't think of a better person to represent!
Teacher Discount: YES!
What's as much fun as a bookstore? A used bookstore! I found Stone Soup in Camden - remember the story of Stone Soup? It was up a steep set of stairs and as I arrived at the top, there was an older gentleman playing music on a record player - gotta love it. I plopped myself down on the floor in front of his stack of children's books and made myself at home. I was delighted to find several volumes of L. Frank Baum's books that were NOT The Wizard of Oz. I found Ozma of Oz and a large size volume of The Emerald City of Oz. With the movie version of Oz out and a renewed interest in Oz, I'm excited to show students that there are many more works by Baum then just The Wizard of Oz.
And even though these books were already discounted due to being second hand, the owner was nice enough to take a little bit more off when he found out I was a teacher! How sweet!!
As you can see, I had a great time and found a good many books in Camden. Stay tune for Part two when I tell you all about my great finds in Camden's sister city - ROCKLAND!
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Edward Yang (1947–2007)
Born on November 6, 1947 in Shanghai, China, Edward Yang has become one of the most talented international filmmakers of his generation. Along with Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Tsai Ming-Liang, Yang ranks among the leading artists of the Taiwanese New Wave, and one of the world's most brilliant auteurs. Growing up in Taipei, Taiwan, he was very interested ...
See full bio »
Born:in Shanghai, ChinaDied:(age 59) in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA |


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Talking to grown-ups isn't always easy. Sometimes you may thing that
they aren't listening. Or maybe you think they are from another planet
and just don't get you. But adults were teenagers once too and
chances are they have already been through the stuff you are experiencing
now. So if you don't think you are speaking the same language as the
adults around you check out these handy hints on how to talk to grown-ups
more effectively.
What's wrong with adults? Names
Imagine: What is your choice in this situation? Making conversation with an adult … Make a list of some of those. Look at this example from a report about a weekend mountain bike race: "The sponsors, Collins Ltd, had put on a blazing event and the Willunga Bike Club had organized a filth bash. Tall Paul went home early, leaving us to chill at the restaurant, milking it to the max. Then we retired to our rooms to crash after a top weekend". What parts of his would you change for an adult listener? Can you find examples in newspapers or magazines of language that might need to be adapted in conversation with adults.


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SACRAMENTO (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown on Wednesday called for building a peripheral canal to help solve California's water shortages, a proposal voters defeated when he was governor in 1982.
In a plan he released on his website, Brown endorsed building a canal or tunnel around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a way to improve the quality of the water now sent to Southern California and Central Valley farmers.
"The goal must be to maintain and enhance water supplies for all Californians and take action to restore the Bay-Delta and meet California's true water needs," Brown's plan states.
Overhauling how California moves water around the state is a critical issue in a state where most of the water supply is in the north but most of the people live in the south.
The delta in Northern California is the hub of the state's water system, but the pumps that divert water to farmers in the Central Valley and residents of the Bay Area and Southern California have been blamed for a massive decline in fish populations.
Scientists also say water conditions in the delta have worsened while rising sea levels and earthquakes threaten its fragile earthen levees.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with Southern California water agencies, have argued a canal around the delta would ensure more reliable water supplies while protecting the estuary's fragile ecoystem. But environmentalists and many Northern California communities continue to oppose a canal, saying it would take too much fresh water from the delta.
Brown previously has said California needs a better system to more efficiently move water, but the Democrat's water plan is his most explicit support of a canal or tunnel to help to deal with the state's current water troubles.
He said any canal must protect the delta's ecosystem and must be paid for by those would benefit, not taxpayers. His plan also calls for programs to facilitate water transfers to farmers, increase water recycling and water conservation and improved groundwater supplies.
Brown's opponent, Republican Meg Whitman, also supports a canal, but she has been critical of Brown's failure to support a 2009 water bond adopted by the Legislature that would set aside money for dams and other water projects around the state.
"Jerry Brown couldn't get the peripheral canal built when he was governor previously, and currently doesn't support the water bond that would help move the project forward," said Whitman spokesman Darrel Ng.
The water bond doesn't set any money aside for a canal. Related water legislation defers the decision about a canal to a federal-state task force and a newly formed delta council.
Brown helped win passage of a peripheral canal 29 years ago, arguing it would provide better water quality for fish while giving Southern California more water. But voters overwhelming defeated the plan a year later, with much of the opposition coming from Northern California fearful of a water grab.
A peripheral canal is popular among Central Valley voters where farmers have faced water shortages, in part because pumping in the delta has been curtailed over the last few years to protected a threatened fish. The biggest culprit, however, was a three-year drought that left state and federal reservoirs low.
(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Under the program, certain types of businesses locating to, or expanding in a designated zone may claim tax credits provided in the law.
Enterprise Zone InformationEligible recycling businesses that are located in designated Recycling Market Development Zones qualify for tax credits.
Zones: Ephraim, Gunnison, and County Commercial Zones.
Recycling Zone InformationThe HUBZone Program stimulates the economy by providing Federal contracting preferences to small businesses with HUBZone certificaton. Ephraim City is designated as a HUBZone.
HUBZone InformationThe program provides an efficient way for existing small companies to receive incentives for creating high paying jobs in rural Utah and to further promote business and economic development. Sanpete Businesses have already received thousands of dollars in assistance.
Fast Track InformationThe EDTIF tax credit is a post-performance, refundable tax credit for up to 30% of new state revenues (sales, corporate and withholding taxes paid to the state) over the life of the project (typically 5-10 years). It is available to companies seeking relocation and expansion of operations to the State of Utah.
Although providing effective training is always a good long-term investment, needed training may not always be affordable. Custom Fit Training provides grant money to assist in employee training.
Custom Fit Training InformationThe Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a non-profit organization chartered with raising the level of competitiveness, performance, and profitability of Utah's manufacturers.
M.E.P WebsiteRevolving Loan Fund (RLF)
The Purpose of the RLF Program is to create permanent, long-term jobs within the Six County region by providing "gap" financing to new or expanding businesses for eligible acitivites.
Targeted Business Assistance Fund (TBAF)
The purpose of the Targeted Business Assistance Fund is to encourage economic development for start-up and expanding businesses by utilizing vacant buildings or targeted locations throughout the Six County region for primary business locations.
For more information on the above loans call Kevin at 435-835-4321
For Business Relocation Information Contact:
Sanpete County Economic Development Phone: 435-835-4321
Fairview Mt. Pleasant Moroni Manti Gunnison Centerfield Ephraim
What is an Agriculture Protection Area?
Agriculture Protection Area Map (east of Mt. Pleasant)


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The American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety has released a report titled An Evaluation of Data from Drivers Arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Relation to Per se Limits for Cannabis. Researchers examined Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and impaired driving arrest investigation data and compared the blood levels of THC to observed impairment. The conclusion made was that a quantitative threshold for per se laws for THC following cannabis use cannot be scientifically supported.
Research led by Dr. Thomas Brown of McGill University in Montreal suggests that "surprisingly, these drivers usually don't consider themselves as risk takers. If drivers don't believe they are risky, they will not accept the need to change. On the other hand, if we and they don't understand their behavior, how can they be expected to change it effectively?" Reported in ars technica, the study compared four groups of 19 to 39 year old male drivers and concludes that the risky driving preference appears to be a useful marker for clarifying explanatory pathways to risky driving, and for research into developing more personalized prevention efforts.
The April 12, 2016 issue of the Status Report is now available for reading on line. This issue examines the crash testing of large 2016 model pickup trucks, how manufacturers are in competition to implement automatic emergency braking systems into their vehicles before they are required by law and how raising the speed limits in the United States has contributed to an increase in the number of deaths in highway crashes.
A recent poll by Insights West found that 50% of Canadians feel that drivers in their city or town are worse than they were five years ago. The two top groups of bad drivers identified by three of every five of us were youth and seniors. To top it off, most of us have witnessed dangerous and illegal behaviour on our roads in the past month. Wow! Time to have a look at ourselves in the rear view mirror.
For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested and rated vehicle headlights. Of the 31 mid-sized vehicles examined, only one, the Toyota Prius, received a "good" rating. All the others rated acceptable, marginal or poor in roughly the same proportion.
Quoted from the Executive Summary: "This report contains an overview of leading theories that provide the foundation for road safety campaigns. It is combined with a comprehensive summary of the research evidence related to the effectiveness of road safety campaigns generally, and examples of individual campaign evaluations regarding drinking and driving, distracted driving, seatbelt use, speeding and vulnerable road users. It also highlights what is known about learning styles based on educational theories and shares recommendations to help communities develop effective road safety campaigns."
Vision Zero showcases cutting edge technology designed to improve the safety of road users. The June 2015 edition includes:
The 100 Car Naturalistic Driving Study was conducted under the auspices of NHTSA. The study is described in this quote from the web site:
We buy products that we expect will perform according to the manufacturer's claims for them. In this case the product is a restraint for our canine friends when they ride in our vehicle with us. The claim is that the restraints will protect the animal. CBC Marketplace testing finds the contrary, our expectations may be putting both our pets and ourselves at risk.
The IIHS Status Report is published periodically, is a newsletter covering research and topics in the highway safety field. This edition reports on 3 models of minivan that have significantly poor small overlap collision performance, how two cars sold by major manufacturers in India fail to meet minimum safety standards and how ABS is a benefit to both high and low risk motorcycle riders.


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Whether netminder Mike Smith remains in a Coyotes sweater long-term could depend on goalie coach Sean Burke's status with the team.
Burke, who helped Smith achieve a renaissance season, does not have a contract for next season, and that could sway Smith when it comes to negotiations, which General Manager Don Maloney would like to start this summer.
"I think it has an impact on it," Smith said. "Obviously his contract is up. I have a year left. Looking at the long-term, he's made me a better goaltender. I couldn't have done it without him, and I believe he's the best guy in the league at what he does. To be able to have a guy like that to lean on and he shows confidence in me every game whether I'm at my best or not, it's very easy to go out there and just do what I have to do and be the best."
NHL Headlines
Mike Smith lobbies for return of goalie coach Sean Burke
Arizona Republic | May 26


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Our main hospital sites.
Search/View all of our locations and facilities.
What to expect, treatment, care, travel, rights and responsibilities.
When to visit, what to do, travel advice.
For everyday ailments, minor injuries or serious emergencies.
What's your experience of using our hospitals and services?
Tell us your experience of our services, have your say, and more.
Help shape your hospital and community services.
Health News - Rounding up all the latest news within NHSGGC.
Board Members, meetings and reports and finances.
Advice and guidance on Freedom of Information.
Press Office, latest news and media resources.
Browse all our publications.
Services for staff and professionals
Showcasing staff and achievements.
Our Quality Commitment.
Working with our patients.
Meeting our performance against key targets.
Our featured health services.
Health campaigns, screening, vaccinations and more.
Latest guidance, policies and reports.
Information for patients and service users, and support for staff.
For everyday healthy living advice and services information.
All your HR needs under one umbrella.
Vacancies, career advice, job packs and more.
Want to help out? Find out how you can.
Already working with us? Find out all you need to know!
Work experience and study placements.
Making NHSGGC a healthier place to work.
Welcome to the NHS GG&C Diabetes Website.
Please browse through the menu on the right / below to find information about diabetes.
A few facts about Diabetes
On a positive note:
Useful Websites
Diabetes MCN
Patient Information
Diabetes Information
NHS GG&C Children's Diabetes Service
Diabetes MCN Staff Education


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What it is:
A call option gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase an asset at a specified strike price on or before the option's expiration date.
How it works (Example):
Options are derivative instruments, meaning that their prices are derived from the price of another security. More specifically, options prices are derived from the price of an underlying stock. For example, let's say you purchase a call option on shares of Intel (INTC) with a strike price of $40 and an expiration date of April 16th. This option would give you the right to purchase 100 shares of Intel at a price of $40 on April 16th (the right to do this, of course, will only be valuable if Intel is trading above $40 per share at that point in time). Note that the expiration date always fall on the third Friday of the month in which the option is scheduled to expire.
Every option represents a contract between a buyer and seller. The seller (writer) has the obligation to either buy or sell stock (depending on what type of option he or she sold -- either a call option or a put option) to the buyer at a specified price by a specified date. Meanwhile, the buyer of an options contract has the right, but not the obligation, to complete the transaction by a specified date. When an option expires, if it is not in the buyer's best interest to exercise the option, then he or she is not obligated to do anything. The buyer has purchased the option to carry out a certain transaction in the future -- hence the name.
As a quick example of how call options make money, let's say IBM stock is currently trading at $100 per share. Now let's say an investor purchases one call option contract on IBM at a price of $2 per contract. Note: Because each options contract represents an interest in 100 underlying shares of stock, the actual cost of this option will be $200 (100 shares x $2 = $200).
Here's what will happen to the value of this call option under a variety of different scenarios:
When the option expires, IBM is trading at $105
Remember: The call option gives the buyer the right to purchase shares of IBM at $100 per share. In this scenario, the buyer could use the option to purchase those shares at $100, then immediately sell those same shares in the open market for $105. This option is therefore called "in the money." Because of this, the option will sell for $5.00 on the expiration date (because each option represents an interest in 100 underlying shares, this will amount to a total sale price of $500). Because the investor purchased this option for $200, the net profit to the buyer from this trade will be $300.
When the option expires, IBM is trading at $101
Using the same analysis as shown above, the call option will now be worth $1 (or $100 total). Since the investor spent $200 to purchase the option in the first place, he or she will show a net loss on this trade of $1 (or $100 total). This option would be called "at the money," because the transaction is essentially a wash.
When the option expires, IBM is trading at or below $100
If IBM ends up at or below $100 on the option's expiration date, then contract will expire "out of the money." It will now be worthless, so the option buyer will lose 100% of his or her money (in this case, the full $200 that he or she spent for the option).
Why it Matters:
Investors use options for two primary reasons--to speculate and to hedge risk. All of us are familiar with the speculation side of investing. Every time you buy a stock you are essentially speculating on the direction the stock will move. You might say that you are positive that IBM is heading higher as you buy the stock, and indeed more often than not you may even be right.
However, if you were absolutely positive that IBM was going to head sharply higher, then you would invest everything you had in the stock. Rational investors realize there is no "sure thing," as every investment incurs at least some risk. This risk is what the investor is compensated for when he or she purchases an asset. When you purchase options to speculate on future stock price movements, you are limiting your downside risk, yet your upside earnings potential is unlimited.
Hedging is like buying insurance--it is protection against unforeseen events, but you hope you never have to use it. Consider why almost everyone buys homeowner's insurance: because the odds of having one's house destroyed are relatively small, this may seem like a foolish investment.
But our homes are very valuable to us and we would be devastated by their loss. This fear of loss is why most of us happily pay someone else to bear this risk for us, no matter how remote the chances of loss might be. Using options to hedge your portfolio essentially does the same thing.


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Microsoft is in talks to acquire Yammer in what is reported to be a blockbuster deal. According to Bloomberg, Redmond plans to pay more than $1 billion for the enterprise social network.
Yammer promises to bring the power of social networking to the enterprise in a private and secure environment that is as easy to use as Facebook and Twitter, yet designed for business collaboration. Bloomberg is citing two anonymous "people familiar with the matter" in its report.
Could Microsoft Retain Yammer Talent?
Microsoft could not immediately be reached for comment. Shelley Risk at Yammer told us, "We don't comment on rumor or speculation, sorry." But we caught up with Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, to get his take on the rumors. He told us Microsoft could be trying to compete with Oracle.
"If you really want to build social media into a series of products, then you buy a company that's doing it successfully, because you need that skillset. The challenge for Microsoft in buying a company like this is retaining the people. They've had a poor history with that," Enderle said.
"Microsoft tends to buy a company and get the technology but they haven't been able to keep the people. To make an acquisition like Yammer work, Microsoft would really need to retain the talent."
Targeting Oracle?
If recent market moves are any indicator, the rumor could be true. Microsoft and Yammer got a little cozier in April. That's when Yammer integrated with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, which enables updates from the CRM solution to appear as activity stories in the Yammer Ticker.
Dynamics users who have installed the plug-in can follow important records such as accounts, campaigns and opportunities. When changes to these records occur, an activity story describing the event is published in Ticker in real-time. For example, when a sales rep closes a deal, a Dynamics activity story announcing the win is surfaced in Ticker, notifying managers as it happens.
But Microsoft may be looking to integrate Yammer's social networking technology across more of its products. If Microsoft does buy Yammer, it would be going head to head with the likes of Oracle and .com. Oracle recently snapped up Virtue and Collective Intellect, both of which analyze social media site . And Salesforce.com made big headlines recently when it snapped up Buddy Media for $745 million.
"Right now, building social into products, particularly customer-facing products, is the big thing," Enderle said. "If you don't have that, it's hard to compete."


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Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal404
- fat28.2g
- saturates2.4g
- carbs40g
- sugars10.5g
- fibre2.2g
- protein4.8g
- salt0.5g
- 100g pecan
pee-kanRelated to the walnut, pecans are native to America, and grow enclosed in a glossy, browny-red…
- 140g self-raising flour, sieved
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is an alkali which is used to raise soda breads and full-…
- 140g xylitol (see tip below)
Xylitol is an all-natural alternative to sugar. The substance derives from the fibres of plants…
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
eggThe ultimate convenience food, eggs are powerhouses of nutrition, packed with protein and a…
- 140ml rapeseed oil
Rapeseed oil
If you want a light alternative to other cooking oils, rapeseed is a great choice and has…
- 175g grated carrot
ka-rotThe carrot, with its distinctive bright orange colour, is one of the most versatile root…
- 100g sultana
To serve
- drizzle of agave syrup (optional)
Agave syrup
Agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) is a naturally occurring sweetener similar in…
Preheat the oven to 180C/ 160C fan/ Gas mark 4. Grease and line an 18cm round cake tin with baking parchment. Set aside 12 pecans and roughly chop the rest.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, bicarbonate of soda, xylitol and chopped pecans.
In a separate bowl or jug, beat the eggs and rapeseed oil together. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Stir through the carrot and sultanas. Spoon into the lined tin, smooth the surface and press whole pecans to form a circle around the edge.
Cook for 1 hour - 1 hour 10 mins until the top feels springy to the touch and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Check after 50 mins, if the cake is becoming too dark, cover loosely with foil. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn out and allow to cool. Serve slightly warm or cold. This cake keeps for up to five days in a tin. Before serving, drizzle with agave syrup if you have a sweet tooth.