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Freezing blueberries is super easy to do! If you find yourself with a lot of blueberries and need to freeze them just follow these easy steps for how to freeze blueberries. How to Freeze Blueberries With blueberry picking season in full swing here in New Jersey one of the family fun activities that we do is pick blueberries. Not only is is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy but it saves a lot of money. I end up paying about $1 … [Read more...]
How To Make Bavarian Cream
This Bavarian cream recipe is very versatile and you can use it in many dessert recipes. Bavarian cream takes a little work to make, but once you do it a few times it will be a go cake filling to for you! Once you have how to make Bavarian cream mastered, you can make it easily and will love making it for your desserts! Bavarian cream Recipe What is Bavarian Cream? Bavarian Cream would be considered a traditional custard, that is similar … [Read more...]
How to Melt Chocolate in a Double Boiler
This simple step by step for How to Melt Chocolate in a Double Boiler will be the best way you learn to melt chocolate. Melting chocolate with a double boiler is a much better way to melt chocolate then using the microwave. How To Melt Chocolate In A Double Boiler The art of melt chocolate can be a tricky thing if you don't know what you are doing. The last thing you would want to do is throw it into a pan and just put that on the … [Read more...]
31 Ways to Save $100 a Year: Cook meals in Your Crockpot (Day 12)
I Originally wrote this post back in 2013 however I wanted to reshare it again as a part of our 31 Days to save $100 or more a year series! Save Money cooking meals in your crockpot. Using your crockpot to cook dinners will easily save you $100 or more a year! Save Money Cooking meals in Your Crockpot When it comes to saving money on your grocery bill, it is advisable that you use a crockpot. This amazing kitchen appliance helps to stretch … [Read more...]
How to Freeze Fresh Green Beans
Freezing green beans is super easy. When you have an over abundance of green beans that you can not use right away the best thing to do is freeze green beans. If you have a You pick Farm near you, plant your own green beans at home or you find a great deal on them freezing fresh green beans is a great way to save money. Plus it makes for awesome tasting veggies all year long! The process of freezing green beans is super simple. So simple in … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Grill Like a Pro
Summer time is here which means lighting up the grill and having AMAZING meals. Plus a perk to grilling is there tends to be a lot less dishes to clean up! Who can say no to less clean up? I know I can't! These 10 Tips to Grill like a Pro, will make you have amazing meals cooked on the grill and everyone will think you are a pro! When you are grilling you do not have to have a fancy smancy grill, you just need one that heats well so make sure … [Read more...]
How to Easily Shred Chicken
Shredding chicken can be a real pain in the butt, so can dicing it at times. Using this Trick you will be able to easily shred chicken, you will save time and all of your chicken will be uniform so it will look beautiful when you are using it in things like Tex Mex Chicken Avocado and Cheese Burritos. I love using shredded in all my favorite recipes like buffalo chicken dip or BBQ chicken sandwiches. If you are looking to give your baby meat this … [Read more...]
Cake Decorating Supplies
Cake decorating Supplies If you are looking to make your cakes look like they came from a bakery than you are going to need tools for cake decorating. This is a look at a few of my must have items to decorate cakes. All of these items can be purchased at a craft store or local bakery supply store. They also are found all over the Internet. Don't forget to Pin It What you need to decorate a … [Read more...]
Cooking Tip: How to Frost Cupcakes so the icing is smooth, shiny and fluffy
Don't forget to One thing that totally stinks is when you make cupcakes and they are such a nice and yummy flavor and then the icing is crazy thick and sticky like and looks like the ugliest cupcake you have ever seen when you use a knife to spread it (trust me on this I used to be the queen of UGLY cupcakes, they tasted great but looked HORRIBLE) until a friend of mine told me about using a spatula to spread the icing! It totally … [Read more...]
Cooking Tip: How to make jar frosting Smooth and fluffy
Don't forget to Pin it :) Homemade buttercream icing is my favorite because of how smooth and fluffy it is but really it is not the cheapest or quickest way to go so many times i end up using jarred icing but I still want it fluffy and that is super simple to do! Just spoon the whole container of icing into your mixer, turn on to medium speed and let it go for about 5 minutes and you will end up … [Read more...]
How to Store Vegetables (to make them last longer)
One thing that is a big pet peeve of mine is when I go to the grocery store and buy fruits and veggies that we need only to have them go bad a few days later because they were not put in the right spots (Aka fridge or counter). With this I am going to help you know how to store vegetables so they last longer! How to Store Vegetables When you walk through the grocery store you notice things are placed in refrigerated or non refrigerated … [Read more...]
Chicken Broccoli Pies with Cheese
These Chicken Broccoli Pies with Cheese are a fun option for portion controlled dinner. They are a perfectly delicious option for kid-friendly meals. Plus, they are great for making in large batches and freezing for easy meals later. Chicken Broccoli Pies with Cheese If you are looking for a classic comfort food, chicken broccoli pies are a perfect option. A bit of 2% cheddar cheese makes it even better for you without losing the flavor. I … [Read more...]
How to make a Packed Lunch Fun For Kids
Some kids might like the idea of buying lunch because it is fun to go and buy their own lunch , but as I have said before I like packing my kids lunch because it becomes cheaper and healthier for my kids. Here are some ways that you can make your child's packed lunch fun for them :) Use egg shapers when you put boiled eggs in the lunch box - these turn any normal boring hard boiled egg into a fun shape. There are so many … [Read more...]
Cooking Tip: Less mess when making pancakes
Many of my cooking tips and tricks I can't take full credit for, they come from my dad and when I am stumped on something he is the first person I call (so you can really thank him for this awesome tip). When I was a kid my dad used to make huge batches of pancakes and then put them in the freezer for us. I now do the same thing for my kids, it not only is a time saver but a money saver as well. The one main thing I learned from him is … [Read more...]


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EMC Cable Entry Frames, Single Row
The cable entry frames EMC-KEL-E3 are based on the KEL-E3. Due to a conductive surface, disturbances in the cable shields on the control cabinet can be easily dissipated. Field bound disturbances are derived by the metallization. Between the EMC-KEL-E3 and the metal wall a conductive flat gasket (included) is mounted. The flange surface on the metal wall must be free of paint!

subset: commoncrawl


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Royalty and the Press
A bit of a rant: I suppose I've got a bit of a new perspective (for me) and now I find I am forever seeing something that frankly annoys the stuffing out of me.
I've noticed that newspaper articles about Royalty constantly make stupid mistakes. For example, one newspaper called Prince William of Wales a 'crown prince') and another said that Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice would lose their HRHs upon marriage. I realize that the knowledge represented in these forums is somewhat specialized, but I find it virtually impossible to believe that London-based reporters specializing in covering Royal news for English newspapers could get these sorts of things wrong.
What I think is happening is that these 'errors' are being made deliberately because inevitably one of us, or someone like us, will write in and correct the 'error.'
Then, the paper can use this contact between paper and reader to promote sales of advertising space or justify high prices for same. The paper will say, see how attentive our readers are? How responsive they are?
I further suspect that opinion articles about Royalty are being written to provoke similar response and for similar reasons. Op-ed writers will complain about the ugliness of the Princess Royal's hat or insist that Prince William is "useless" (I sure hope none of those who say he's useless ever need to be sought or rescued by helicopter!)
Furthermore, I find annoying those who complain about the wealth and laziness of the Royal Family. Plenty of people are richer, but they don't get the constant attacks. Perhaps folks just like to criticize and complain? I dislike republicans attacking the RF on personal grounds. Ad hominem attacks will only hold the republican cause back. How about doing something practical, like demonstrating how the UK would be better as a republic?
The RF are attacked for being insufficiently transparent--yes, public money must be accounted for properly, but it's nobody's business who wears boxers and who wears briefs. As far as I can see, the Queen runs a branch of the government--her branch is responsible for executing certain laws and procedures, for conducting certain diplomatic tasks, for handling important hospitality arrangements, and for liasoning between the nonprofit sector (charities), the government, and the people. In the US, the president must carry out both head of state and head of government duties. One can see in photographs the physical strain this pair of jobs puts on one who is after all only a mortal man. With social duties handled by the RF, the PM can concentrate more (quality and quantity) on political and economic matters. With the mess in Egypt and its terrifying potential consequences, I sure don't want Mr Obama opening any hospitals just now!
I think that the UK needs to make up its mind about what it wants from their RF. It's unfair to constantly criticise. I remember before Princess Diana passed, the RF were depicted as inhuman, bereft of normal family feelings. This was seemingly confirmed in the days after she died, when they stayed in Scotland. Now, with Alistair Campbell's diaries published, we know that Princes William and Harry were balking at making a public spectacle because they were so upset and didn't want to do anything that could be construed as pleasing the press. So if the press were saying come to London, show us your sorrow, they were more determined to stay in Scotland. The RF were, after all, doing what real human beings would do--protecting the bereaved boys!
End rant. For now. God save The Queen (from the her critics)
yes, yes. I knew when I was doing it tho. In my heart, she's more of a Princess by right than many who were born to it... but what do you think of the substance of what I said
Eugenie and Beatrice may loose their HRH's when they marry, they cannot pass them on and as William and Harry have kids they will move further and further down the line of succesion.
Sounds far fetched to me.
Please provide a way that people of the UK can demonstrate a republic would be better, and i'm sure they would?
How is it unfair? These people are there to represent OUR country, if we don't like what we see we have the right to complain. It is the same with any government in the world, you don't like what they are doing, you say something about it. You don't keep quiet and let it continue.
Ok, ok. At the time of her death, she was Diana, Princess of Wales, and I loved her. But if I'm going to rant about the failure of the press to get things right, I concede I should be correct myself.
Why would B&E lose their HRHs? They can't. Check DeBrett's. On marriage, a woman takes her husband's rank and the feminine form of his style and title. Therefore, upon marriage, she became HRH The Princess of Wales. The Honorable Deborah Mitford became (after a few intervening deaths) Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire.
BUT, when a woman of higher rank marries a man of lower rank, she keeps her higher rank and style. Therefore, when Lady Jane Spencer married a plain Mister, she became Lady Jane Fellowes. See also HRH The Princess Mary married the Earl of Harewood and kept her HRH. As did the present Princess Royal. The HRH belongs to those who were born entitled to it, and it cannot be taken away from someone who was born with the right to it. Consequently, when BBC was introducing him prior to a radio speech, it referred to the former King Edward VIII as HRH The Prince Edward.
Similarly, the children of the Earl of Wessex are technically HRH Princess Louise and HRH Prince James. The decision has been taken to 'downsize' the RF and consequently the children are being raised without Princely rank and style, but that doesn't change their legal ownership of Princely rank and style.
So while B&E might wish to go without their HRHs, they won't be legally deprived of their ownership of this style and rank upon marriage. As the case of Edward VIII shows, one cannot renounce ownership of an HRH.
Nevertheless, it is reported in the English press that this will be so. Clearly, this sort of knowledge is more esoteric than I had first assumed.
These matters of title are dictated by Letters Patent issued by the Sovereign and have the force of law. Presumably the Sovereign has sought and recieved ministerial support for these, but they do not require a vote in Parliament. (And, by the way, legislation in the UK has no potency until signed into law by the Sovereign. A technicality, I know, but what I meant when I said the sovereign executes the law.)
A better way of obtaining a republic would be to stop ad hominem attacks against the RF but explaining the ways in which a republic would be superior. A place to start: how that 63 p per capita could be better spent on (military preparedness, national health, roads, dams, bridges, etc.)
Regarding inherited wealth: yes, well, that's what comes of living in a capitalist economy. You'd choose the alternative? Well, we've seen how that worked out. Bet you wouldn't turn down some inherited wealth. I sure haven't. I read the British papers--plenty of inherited wealth, why does the RF get such a disproportionate share of the ire?
Make up your mind: What I meant is it seems is that the RF are damned if they do and damned if they don't. They are criticised for their lack of emotion and humanity prior to August 31, 1997, then they act in an emotional and human way, and get criticised for being insufficiently stoic and public. They are criticised for uselessness, but God help them if they ever try to do something helpful--see the last 30 years of the life of The Prince of Wales. They're criticised for flaunting their inherited wealth but then criticised for wearing old but still very presentable clothing, or for (horrors!) buying High Street fashions (Kate M.), or for declining to go about the the gilded glass coach (Poor Kate again).
So what I'm saying is that the citizens of the UK and the other nations which claim the UK's sovereign as their own--you all need to clarify what you want. Should the Queen go? I'm betting she would, if asked. I have no inside information, but she's always struck me as a deeply patriotic lady who really does want the best for her people. So if they want her to go, she'll go. And if they want her to stay, she'll stay.
If you decide they need to go, that's the end of it. But, if you decide to keep them, I think it is necessary to clarify exactly what is expected of the RF so they won't run into the damned if you do, damned if you don't problem I described above.
Because the constant stream of contradictory criticism is inhumane to the RF. They're human beings and they didn't choose to subject themselves to this kind of scrutiny, unlike politicians who are really just asking for it. I've thought about how I would react were I to be subjected to similar press coverage. I imagine I'd be out of my head inside 20 minutes, running in circles shrieking "There's no pleasing these people!" and ending up sucking my thumb in a fetal position in a corner.
You said plenty of people are richer, nothing mentioned about inherited wealth. Inherited wealth has most likely been earnt one way or another, how did the RF earn their wealth? The Royal Family are our representatives, we are entitled to share our opinion on their wealth.
Other nations are dealing with the issue of keeping the Monarch as their head of state. They have bigger things to worry about first, for example in Australia with the floods.
I don't see why you're insisting on us having a referndum, what does it matter?
The Royal Family is their to represent our country and the commonwealth, the way they should do that is different in everyones eyes.
They didn't choose no, but they remain. Would you rather be a teacher with no criticism or The Queen with little criticism and a hell of a lot of cash to make you feel better?
This family, every royal family knows how to deal with criticism. Ordinary people don't.
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Here is our time proven recommendation on how to best maintain your tile, stone, vinyl and wood floors
Here is our time proven recommendation on how to best maintain your tile, stone, vinyl and wood floors
Using this system you'll never smear dirty mop water around or leave a soil attracting film behind. Grout lines will stay cleaner MUCH longer as well.
First you'll need to pick up a gallon of a Neutral pH No Rinse Floor Cleaner such as Lemon Clean. It's a very low cost, neutral pH and rinse free product. Used properly it will leave no residue, it will not deplete penetrative sealers used on stone and grout and for $9.98 you'll get 144 ready to use gallons of solution!! (that's 600 quarts of Bona Clean without the fancy label)
"Serenade Allegro" an neutral no rinse cleaner is available at Tahoe Supply in Carson City, Incline or Sparks, or "Lemon Clean" in Santa Cruz/Watsonville, at Coast Paper Supply in Santa Cruz, Mid Valley Supply in Watsonville (see maps below) or online at Amazon (OdoBan 936162-G Neutral PH Concentrate Floor Cleaner). Most janitorial supply shops will have their own house brand version of this product, just ask for a "Neutral pH, hard floor, rinse free" solution. Great for Granite counter tops too as it wont deplete the sealer.
Lowes and Home Depot Both sell Rubbermaid Flat Micro Fiber mops, buy one or two and some spare mop heads. I suggest you buy one mop head for every 200 feet of flooring to be cleaned. You'll need a bucket or utility sink to dip your clean mop heads into to disperse the Lemon Clean. Start at the far end of the room and work your way out, Check the mop head often and when it starts to show soil, toss it into your washing machine and replace with a clean head. You should be able to clean 50 to 200 feet before needing to swap out depending on soil level.
When it comes to Mop Head selection the type with aggressive strips are best for wet cleaning, The type with a loop style fringe around the head are ideal for dust mopping before you wet clean or just for daily "sweeping" in dusty areas. The third choice you'll find is a very soft non aggressive head that is best for applying sealers or finishes or very light wet cleaning.
You'll be very pleased with how quick and easy it is to clean all your hard surfaces , and you'll be amazed at how much longer your floors stay cleaned compared to any other method.
You can also buy the mop and heads online, look here for more information
Coast Paper Supply
51 Josephine Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
phone: (831)423-3350
Mid Valley Supply
220 Airport Boulevard
Freedom, CA 95019
Tahoe Janitorial Supply
3315 Research Way, Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 882-7881


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The story of Pinnacle Pursuits begins with its Founder and Chief Visionary: Jonathan Willcocks. At the age of 26, after graduating from University, he was working full time as a wilderness boot camp instructor and life skills counselor at a correctional camp for young offenders. A large component of this intense residential program was exploring and blazing the West Coast geography, embarking on multi-day mountain expeditions and paddling river and ocean routes in traditional Voyageur canoes – a position for which he was naturally suited.
It was here, through both leading and experiencing these wild adventures and challenges that Jono discovered how transformative the power of nature, group dynamics, adventure and personal reflection really were and he soon realized that he was passionate enough about this field to want to devote his life to it. Instead of working with rebellious youth, however, he wanted to attract people who chose to step up to the plate and truly want to challenge themselves to work together, stretch out of their everyday comfort zones and learn and grow, but no company offered this service. So in 1997, with a heart full of passion and a vision he couldn't ignore (and on a shoestring budget), Jono decided to seize the opportunity and create such a company himself; thus Pinnacle Pursuits was born!
As a small company with a big idea, the demand for Pinnacle Pursuits' personal development, team-building and adventure-leadership programs grew rapidly, and in the year 2000, after 3 years of organizing and facilitating local programs, Pinnacle Pursuits had grown enough to begin taking its programs abroad. This proved to be a rewarding and profitable direction for the company; to date, Pinnacle Pursuits has been invited to work in 11 countries worldwide.
By 2008, Pinnacle Pursuits was becoming formally recognized and acknowledged for its accomplishments, winning several prominent local and international awards for business, leadership, community impact and for a creative and fresh approach to experiential education. One such honour came from the Association of Experiential Education, who awarded Pinnacle Pursuits the 'Top Experiential Organizational Award in the Northwest Region of North America'. Jonathan was also the first Canadian to win the Willie Unsoeld Award for his impact as an exemplary educator, and was the recipient of the Business in Vancouver Top 40 under 40 Award in 2007 (which celebrates BC's outstanding entrepreneurs, executives, managers and professionals).
Today, Jonathan and his amazing Pinnacle Pursuits team of adventure-learning experts continue to grow and expand the company's reputation, offering creative programs that make the world a better place to live, work, learn and play!
We invite you to be part of the next chapter in our story!


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"The nation that will insist upon drawing a broad line of demarcation between the fighting man and the thinking man is liable to find its fighting done by fools and its thinking by cowards."
Sir William Francis Butler
And these folks are going to be driving billion dollar ships and subs around someday? God help us all!
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A couple of years ago, I looked over my game collection and sighed at the number of games that hadn't seen the attention they deserved. I wrote a post listing games that I wanted to spend more time on, even as I realized that as long as leisure time is limited and the game collection is big, there will always be neglected games on my shelves. It's a topic worth revisiting from time to time - both because it's interesting to see how the list has changed (and how it hasn't) and because it's helpful to look at the collection with fresh eyes and think about resurrecting a few titles that might bear dusting off and playing again.
Friday, December 12, 2014
The game time conundrum revisited
Friday, November 28, 2014
Holiday gift meta-guide
Friday, November 7, 2014
A look back at hip-pocket wargames
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Most highly-rated out-of-print games
I was listening to The Geek All-stars Episode 87, in which Dan Patriss and his band of merry geeks list their Top 11 Stefan Feld designs, and someone mentioned in passing that a few of these well-regarded games are relatively unknown by game hobby newcomers because they have been out of print for some time. That got me to thinking about how many excellent games are difficult or impossible to obtain because no publisher is printing them. Hence the inspiration for today's post - a survey of the most highly-rated out-of-print games on boardgamegeek.com.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Top ten games that I play with my wife
Quite some time ago, Chris Norwood posted a list of his top ten games that he plays with his wife. That list in turn was inspired by The Dice Tower podcast Episode 189, in which Tom Vasel and Eric Summerer shared their own top ten games that they play with their wives. Those lists are both several years old, but the topic is timeless, so I thought I'd confer with my wife Kathy so that we could compile our own list.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Point tracking methods
|Robin Lees, host of the podcast
Whose Turn Is It Anyway?
Robin Lees @RMBLees
Something many games suffer is the bad design of point trackers. Snaking or moving in logical steps. What's good? What's bad? Discuss?
Something many games suffer is the bad design of point trackers. Snaking or moving in logical steps. What's good? What's bad? Discuss?
Friday, October 3, 2014
Spring and summer photos
As October begins and fall sets in, I thought I would look back at some of games I got to play over the last six months.
|My friend Grant G. gave us Goa for Christmas, and Kathy and I really like this neo-classic Euro.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Feminism Discourse Part 3: Who else has asked this question?
This post is the third in a series of three essays on the topic.
Part 1: Why are women the exception in boardgame design?
Part 2: Who are the women that design games?
I'm certainly not the first to question the disproportion of men to women in the boardgaming hobby. Here are just a few recent efforts (and one not-so-recent) to shed light on the question in one form or another.
Part 1: Why are women the exception in boardgame design?
Part 2: Who are the women that design games?
I'm certainly not the first to question the disproportion of men to women in the boardgaming hobby. Here are just a few recent efforts (and one not-so-recent) to shed light on the question in one form or another.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Feminism Discourse Part 2: Who are the women that design games?
This post is the second in a series of three essays, following
Feminism Discourse Part 1: Why are women the exception in boardgame design?
Last week I started to consider the question about why it seemed that there were so few female game designers. But that post admittedly begs the question: Is it actually true that game designers are disproportionately male, or is it just that male designers are simply better known? I decided to actively identify women designers and some of the games they've designed to see if I could validate the notion that they are rare - or if not, to investigate why they are not as well known as male designers.
Feminism Discourse Part 1: Why are women the exception in boardgame design?
Last week I started to consider the question about why it seemed that there were so few female game designers. But that post admittedly begs the question: Is it actually true that game designers are disproportionately male, or is it just that male designers are simply better known? I decided to actively identify women designers and some of the games they've designed to see if I could validate the notion that they are rare - or if not, to investigate why they are not as well known as male designers.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Feminism discourse: Why are women the exception in boardgame design?
|Susan McKinley Ross
Friday, September 5, 2014
My candidates for the 2014 Dice Tower Top 100
|(c) Queen Games
Used by permission
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Confusion: Do I get it?
|(c) Stronghold Games. Used by permission
Friday, August 22, 2014
Third annual-ish "What to pack for a vacation"
I like looking into which boardgames work for taking on family summer vacations. The last time I looked at this question was July 2012. This year we have plans to visit points of interest in southwest Virginia - the Skyline Drive, Lexington, the Natural Bridge, and Monticello. We specifically will be leaving laptops at home. Anticipating some quality family downtime, of course that means boardgames.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
WBC 2014 Saturday and Sunday: WS&IM fleet action, Acquire semifinal, and demos
One quick go-back on my earlier posts recounting my World Boardgaming Championships experience this year: The very first thing that Keith Ferguson and I did Thursday morning, on our way to the registration desk, was to bump into Josh Tempkin of Tall Tower Games. He spent a good part of the convention demonstrating several of his games:
- "WarTime," which I've written about before as a fascinating, innovative real-time wargame involving sand timers
- "Throne Dice," which surprisingly I still haven't taken the time to play
- "Commissioner," which I learned at UnPub 4 as "Lesser Evil"
Thursday, August 14, 2014
WBC 2014 Friday: WS&IM loss, Acquire victory, and EIC demo
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
WBC 2014 Thursday: TPA and a day of not winning
World Boardgaming Championships in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the summer highlight of my gaming year. I had a fairly loose schedule in mind, with only a few key tournaments that I specifically wanted to hit.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Second annual List of Shame: The Unplayed Games of 2014
Last year about this time, inspired by Chris "GamerChris" Norwood, I posted my "secret shame" - a list of unplayed games sitting on my shelves. When I did that, I thought surely, I am now motivated to work my way down this list and play all these games - or pass them along to someone else who will. Surely, in the next year, say, I will have played nearly all my games and the list will be shorter.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
UnPub Mini Chantilly Recap
Last Saturday, Keith Ferguson ran an UnPub Mini event at Game Parlor Chantilly. (I helped a little.) We had about twelve designers and about 20 gamers playtesting over the course of the 11 hours that the store was open that day. It was about as successful as we could have wanted. For my part, I got to playtest "East India Company" and "Reactor Scram" one time each, as well as to play about four other games, though there were many more I wish I could have played.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
More designers for 21 June UnPub Mini in Chantilly, Virginia
As I mentioned in a post on May 8, there will be an UnPub Mini event this Saturday 21 June at
Game ParlorWe now have a full slate of eleven designers lined up, so we have plenty of opportunities for gamers to come and try out new game design prototypes and provide feedback to the designers.
13936 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151
Friday, May 30, 2014
Leaner, meaner "Company"
I've been giving some thought as to how to streamline "East India Company." There are a few approaches I can take. The scientist in me wants to make one change at a time and test each change independently. I've heard at least one designer specifically recommend that approach so that you always know the effect of each specific design change. But my gut tells me to identify the essential core elements of the game, eliminate everything else in one big purge, and then see if anything should be added back in, painstakingly, one element at a time.
Monday, May 26, 2014
East India Company returns to the shipyard
Last February I mentioned that I'd submitted a prototype of "East India Company" to a publisher at UnPub 4 to evaluate for publication. I just heard back from them, and they
do not find it to be a good fit for our upcoming releases. At the end of the day, the play time and complexity does not create a conducive product for a broad success, as the trends are leading away from complex play and longer play times.I can certainly accept that evaluation. Game length has been a challenge with "EIC" since its inception, and it certainly is complex. Given the nature of today's game market, I agree that its appeal as it currently stands would probably be somewhat narrow.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
UnPub Mini Chantilly on Sat 21 Jun
Designers and boardgamers in the northern Virginia area, mark your calendars: Saturday 21 June will be an UnPub Mini event at
Game Parlor
13936 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151
Friday, April 25, 2014
Luck, skill, and research
Last week I opened a discussion on my effort to quantify game characteristics. I had in mind that I would explore this question on my own, somewhat in a vacuum, based on my own experience and opinions, as something of an exercise to see what defensible conclusions I might reach.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Thoughts on quantifying game characteristics
Gamers tend to characterize games in terms of luck vs. skill, replayability, lightness vs. depth, and so forth. These qualitative assessments help us to evaluate what we might like or dislike about a game before we've played it ourselves, or help to consider which games might be appropriate for a specific social, tournament, or convention setting. These characterizations also help in establishing design goals and parameters as well as assist publishers in determining which potential titles will fit within their product line.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Reactor Scram: early playtesting
I have finally started working in earnest on a co-op idea I've had percolating in my mind for the last few weeks. The theme is that the players are workers in a nuclear reactor plant whose maintenance has been neglected, until finally the bad day comes when everything seems to break at once. The goal is to get the plant into a "safe condition" without melting down a core or irradiating any of the workers.
I ran a couple of solo playtests. I won one and lost one, which made me think that I've got the initial balance at least coarsely in the right neighborhood. What surprised me was how quickly each game completed - roughly ten or fifteen minutes per game. I usually have the opposite problem with the games I design - play times that run way too long. Right now I've got a game that takes more time to explain than it does to play. So I want to figure out some way of extending the gameplay as well as the "story arc" so that I'm not just "making it longer" for the sake of making it last.
|First prototype of "Reactor Scram"
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Winter photos
A quick gallery of games played over the last three months:
|Agent for one of the Lords of Waterdeep in the Jester's Court to recruit thieves...
Saturday, March 29, 2014
PrezCon 2014 Part 5: Finals
|(c) Rio Grande Games
Used by permission
Monday, March 24, 2014
PrezCon 2014 Part 4: Social gaming
Part of what I love about conventions is re-connecting with gaming friends as well as meeting new people. This year at PrezCon, I got to meet in person Dan Patriss, whom I'd heard many times on the Geek All Stars podcast. He was with Chris Kirkman of Dice Hate Me Games, and Friday night we got together with Stephanie Straw, T.C. Petty III, and Darrell Louder for a couple of late-night games.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
PrezCon 2014 Part 3: Pillars of the Earth final
As I mentioned in my previous post, I ran the Pillars of the Earth tournament at PrezCon again this year. I had two heats totalling 14 different competitors in five games. Four of the five qualifying winners showed up for the final: Shane McBee, Philip Shea, Jeff Thornsen, and Tom Snyder. I have really come to enjoy watching tournament games, because I get to see some real high-level play. This year's final was no exception.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
PrezCon 2014 Part 2: Friday
|(c) Rio Grande Games
Used by permission
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
PrezCon 2014 Part 1: Thursday
A couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed four days at my favorite gaming convention, PrezCon. There were several hitches this year, a few things that didn't go right, but nevertheless I had a great time. The next several posts will share some highlights.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Lorton Monopoly Tournament
By way of background, Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) is a local charity that looks after the basic needs and means to self-sufficiency of low-income individuals and families in our area. In support of LCAC, the real estate agency Ron and Susan Associates sponsors an annual Monopoly tournament as a fund-raising event. I had the opportunity to participate in Ron and Susan's Seventh Annual Monopoly Tournament last weekend at the Workhouse Arts Center, a converted prison facility that now houses an art gallery and studio spaces for local artists. Ron Kowalski (of Ron and Susan Associates) worked for Hasbro at one time and is something of a Monopoly enthusiast. The event was very well run, and the setting in an art gallery was very pleasant. Lunch was catered by Glory Days.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
About three weeks ago, my friend Paul R. invited Grant G., his brother W.J., and myself to his house for a game of the classic Caesar: Alesia (designer Robert Bradley, publisher Avalon Hill). This hex-and-counter wargame revisits the Gallic attempt to break the Roman seige of the fortress at Alesia in September 52 BC. I'd read an English translation of De Bellis Gallicus by Julius Caesar, so I was somewhat familiar with the battle and its context. The interesting aspect of the battle is that the Romans had formed a double ring of fortifications around Alesia - an inner ring to keep the occupants of Alesia from escaping, and an outer ring to defend the Romans from other Gauls attempting to break the seige.
Monday, February 3, 2014
UnPub 4 Part III: Sunday publishers
Sunday of UnPub 4 opened with a pancake breakfast sponsored by Eagle and Gryphon Games and a panel discussion featuring eight publishers in a question-and-answer format. UnPub convention director Darrell Louder moderated the panel. Panelists included
- Ralph Anderson, Eagle and Gryphon Games
- Dave McKenzie, Game Salute and Clever Mojo Games
- Dan Yarrington, Game Salute
- Patrick Nickell, Crash Games
- A.J. Porfirio, Van Ryder Games
- Chris Kirkman, Dice Hate Me Games
- John Sizemore, Nevermore Games
- Luke Peterschmidt, Fun to 11 Games
Sunday, February 2, 2014
UnPub 4 Part II: Heartland Hauling and Ten-acre Farming
|"Great Heartland Dice Game" with Tiffany Bahnsen
and Adam O'Brien (r.)
I was tremendously pleased to get to meet Jason Kotarski (Great Heartland Hauling Company) in person. I got to playtest his dice-game spin-off, "Great Heartland Dice Game," with Shawn Purtell, Adam O'Brien, and Tiffany "Socially Inept Gamer" Bahnsen. This was a fun variation on GHHC, kind of Yahtzee with cows. Actually, there is an element of resource management, since having a gas reserve makes it possible to re-roll dice and score more effectively. It's also possible to sell of extra dice to other players for gas. The result is a clever little filler game that deserves a publisher's attention.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
UnPub 4 Part I: Pitching and playtesting
I spent Martin Luther King weekend at UnPub 4, the fourth annual unpublished games convention for designers in Magnolia, Delaware.
Friday night - designers dinner
I had the privilege of an invitation to a designers and publishers dinner the night before UnPub, which I attended with my friend and fellow designer Keith Ferguson ("Santa's Workshop"). It was so great to see so many other designers and publishers again, many of whom I hadn't seen since UnPub 3 last year. UnPub founder John Moller passed the reins to Darrell Louder (designer of Compounded), who hosted the designer-publisher dinner and directed the UnPub 4 convention admirably, with the able assistance of his wife Lesley Louder, Stephanie Straw, and other volunteers.
Friday night - designers dinner
I had the privilege of an invitation to a designers and publishers dinner the night before UnPub, which I attended with my friend and fellow designer Keith Ferguson ("Santa's Workshop"). It was so great to see so many other designers and publishers again, many of whom I hadn't seen since UnPub 3 last year. UnPub founder John Moller passed the reins to Darrell Louder (designer of Compounded), who hosted the designer-publisher dinner and directed the UnPub 4 convention admirably, with the able assistance of his wife Lesley Louder, Stephanie Straw, and other volunteers.
Friday, January 10, 2014
An evening after work
A number of my friends typically get together after work almost every Tuesday for gaming at our local game store, Game Parlor Chantilly. I don't typically make it as often as I like, but this week was a pleasant exception.
I arrived early and met my good friend Glenn W., who happened to have a copy of Lost Cities (designer Reiner Knizia, artist Claus Stephan, publisher Rio Grande) in his car. I'd played this once or twice at PrezCon years ago, so I was familiar enough with the rules to get reacquainted pretty quickly. We jumped right in and played one hand while we waited for others to show up, and I think I won by a pretty narrow margin. Most importantly, this re-exposure has rekindled my interest in picking this up as a candidate for Kathy and me to play during our frequent cocktail-hour games. For some reason it had fallen fairly low on my wishlist, but now I really think it's a good option - not quite as brain-burning as Battle Line, but still a good two-player card game to try out.
|(c) Rio Grande Games. Used by permission
Saturday, January 4, 2014
New Years gaming
The holiday season continues with more socializing around boardgames. On New Years Eve, our friend Sheila D. hosted Glenn W., Jeff W., Kathy and me for dinner and games. After a wonderful Mexican rice bowl dinner with shredded beef, we sat down to spend the last six hours of 2013 playing games.
- We started with Guillotine (designer Paul Peterson, artists the late Quinton Hoover along with Mike Raabe, publisher Wizards of the Coast), which is a lighthearted favorite. I don't remember who won, but it was a great way to start the gaming evening.
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If you've got a shotgun riding shotgun, expect trouble.
Hesperia resident Jeremiah Glen Schreffler, 28, was arrested on May 3 after a witness called the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, after allegedly seeing Schreffler cursing at other motorists, then pulling a shotgun from behind his seat and brandishing it at another driver.
Deputy Frank Hardin stopped Schreffler's vehicle -- the witness having followed Schreffler and remained in contact with the department until authorities arrived -- and reportedly saw the shotgun on the passenger seat next to Schreffler in plain view. Approximately 20 shotgun shells were also reportedly near the weapon and within reach of the motorist.
Schreffler was arrested for possession of an illegal weapon and committing a felony while on bail and booked at Victor Valley Jail.
Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 956-7108 or at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Shotgun-wielding motorist arrested
If you've got a shotgun riding shotgun, expect trouble.


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|Roger Steen (?) -- Intro to Don't Touch Me There
|Don't Touch Me There II
|Don't Touch Me There III
|"Collage" from TSG's Book Series, Volume 9
|Quay Lewd -- White Punks on Dope
|Quay about to be smashed by speakers -- WPOD IV
NOTE 1: TSG was surprised to find a few "good" images from that night's show on Getty Images. Interested parties should search the Getty website for "the tubes" san jose performing arts
NOTE 2: Thanks to the efforts of Steve Wells, there is a TSG photo of Prairie Prince posted somewhere on the Tubes official facebook page.


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By V.L.Orquiola
ILOILO CITY, Mar. 30 (PNA) Barely 13 days after the gun-slay of businessman and former ranking leader of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Oton, Iloilo, the Philippine National Police (PNP) here considered the heinous crime as a cleared case.
This after the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) formed by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) probing into death of 65-year-old Romeo Capalla y Robles of Brgy. San Antonio, Oton said they have already identified the suspects.
C/Inspector Joseph Almaquer, spokesman of SITG Capalla, said the suspects identification came after several witnesses surfaced and assisted the task group in taking a computerized facial composite of suspects and in providing sworn statements to help the PNP in their investigation.
In a close scrutiny of the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage inside the Oton Public Market made by the Task Group led to the identification of one of suspects as Julie Cabino alias Jojo Cabarles or Jojo Cabino who was identified by witnesses through pictures of the IPPO rouges gallery as Capallas assassin.
With the suspects identification, the Task Group has already submitted on Friday a 39-page case folder before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutors Office for the filing of murder charges against prime suspect Cabino and four other John Does as respondents.
Police said that Cabino who is a resident of Leon, Iloilo has been previously charged of attempted murder of the village chieftain in Tigbauan, Iloilo but the case was subsequently settled.
He was also a member of the NPAs break-away group Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) under the leadership of Demetrio Capilastique alias Ka Hugo of Leon town whose killing early last year was admitted by no less than the extremist NPA rebel.
The untiring effort and dedication of members of SITG Capalla under the strong leadership of the IPPO Director S/Supt. Cornelio Salinas and Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) regional director C/Supt. Josephus Angan led to the solution of the case within two weeks time.
Almaquer said Task Group Capalla will not stop on the filing of the case but will also pursue available avenue for the arrest of the suspect and subsequent conviction of culprits of Cappalas assassination.
The PRO-6 regional director also asked the support and cooperation of the community to provide the police vital information that could lead to the arrest of the gunman and his accomplices even as copies of CCTV footage has been sent to the Director of the Anti-Cyber Crime Group at the national headquarters in Camp Crame for forensic video enhancement.
Meanwhile, the SITG Capalla is not also discounting possible vendetta on the part of the RPA-ABB behind the gun-slay of Capalla who return to civilian life and engaged a business endeavor without a formal surrender to military authorities being a former ranking leader of the Corazon Chiva Waling-Waling Command of the Panay Regional Party Committee under the hierarchy of the NPA in Panay island.
Apart from his former affiliation with the NPA, the arm wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the Task Group is also considering other angles that include personal grudges and business rivalries as possible motive behind Capallas death.
Prior to his death, Capalla was concurrently the manager of the Panay Fair Trade Center that deals on muscovado or brown sugar and other native products being exported abroad.
Capalla came from his residence in Brgy. San Antonio, Oton when gunned down by one of the two suspects early Saturday evening of March 15 just after he alighted from the service vehicle on his way to his store inside the Oton Public Market.
The two suspects were later joined by three other suspects serving as back-up onboard two motorcycles in their haste escape towards the direction of nearby Tigbauan town after the shooting incident.
It was learned that the slain Capalla has been finally laid to rest at his hometown in Leon, Iloilo last Sunday with no less than his brother Davao Emeritus Archbishop Fernando Capalla who conducted the requiem mass during the interment rites.(PNA)


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This type of interface allows the user to change to the home directory where it stores data. The user can use this feature in different aspects, for Eg- a hard drive begins to run out of space and the server of the user contains an additional hard drive.
In order to change the accounts hard- drive, an user must do the following steps-
In order to modify the accounts hard- drive, an user must do the following steps-
|Primary Domain
|Enter a new primary domain.
|The following must be true about the new username:
● The user must choose a unique username that contains 16 characters or fewer.
● The username must contain only letters and numbers.
● The username cannot start with a number or the string test.
● If you plan to use MySQL or PostgreSQL as a database engine, the first eight characters must be unique on the system to prevent issues with database prefixing and account transfers. However, this restriction does not apply to servers that run MariaDB.
MySQL does not permit the users to rename the database.
The system performs the following steps:
So precisely, this article provides for the process of Rearrangement of cPanel Account.


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Increasing Accounting Majors and Minors in the Introductory Management Accounting Course: A Business Planning Approach
Introductory management accounting courses traditionally have emphasized cost accounting topics rather than the critical role that information plays in decision-making. Many accounting educators believe that creatively redesigning the introductory management accounting course may help to reverse recent declines in accounting enrollments. Building upon a recently proposed management accounting education framework and several existing serial case pedagogies, this paper describes a fundamentally different delivery approach for the introductory management course: the Business Planning Model (BPM). The BPM reengineers the managerial principles course in two ways: (1) by replacing cost accounting course content with strategy and risk topics, and (2) by delivering and reinforcing course content using a semester-long business planning simulation.
|Main Author:
|Barsky, Noah
|Other Authors:
|Catanach, Anthony
|Online Access:


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It's me, and here's my proof: why identity and authentication must remain distinct
My February Security Management column is posted:
No matter what kinds of technological or procedural advancements occur, certain principles of computer science will remain -- especially those concerning information security. I've noticed lately that, among all the competing claims of security vendors that their latest shiny box will solve all your security woes, a basic understanding of computer science fundamentals is missing. Because good computer science never loses importance, and because knowing the science can help you choose products and develop processes, from time to time I will cover such topics in this column. This month I'd like to explore the concepts of identity, authentication, and authorization, to help you understand their important distinctions, and to help guard you against the increasingly common tendency to combine the first two.


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Patients at 10% risk shun offer of statin from their GP
Only a tenth of patients with a 10-20% predicted risk of cardiovascular disease chose to take a statin when given the opportunity, a study by GPs has revealed.
A practice in Cambridgeshire invited more than 400 patients who had previously attended an NHS Health Check appointment and had a QRISK2 score of between 10% and 20% to come in for an appointment at a specially arranged clinic to discuss starting statins.
Of 410 patients invited, just 100 (24.4%) attended the clinic – and only 45 (11%) started on a statin.
The GPs – who have now published their findings in the International Journal of Clinical Practice – said this suggested people at relatively low risk of cardiovascular disease were less inclined to start statin therapy than NICE experts had expected.
NICE predicted that only 20% of patients at 10-20% risk would refuse the offer of statins when it released its updated lipid modification guidelines last year.
However, a Pulse investigation showed GPs' prescribing of statins had barely changed since NICE's lowered threshold was introduced last summer – suggesting GPs were reluctant to push wider statin on the low-risk population.
And the latest study suggests that low-risk patients are equally reticent about taking statins.
The Firs House Surgery sent the patients an information leaflet along with their invite, which provided information on the new NICE recommendation, the way risk is calculated and what the benefits and harms of statins are – based on the National Prescribing Centre Statins Patient Decision aid.
The GPs found:
- Older people and those with a higher QRISK Score within the 10-20% range were more likely to end up taking a statin;
- Both ex- and current smokers were more likely to start a statin than non-smokers
- Patients who opted not to start treatment most commonly cited preferring to initially try lifestyle changes as the main reasons;
- Concern about side effects was less commonly reported.
One of the GPs, Dr Simon Poole, GPC member and chair of Cambridgeshire LMC - who is an outspoken critic of statins at the lower risk level - stressed to Pulse the information given to patients about the option to take statins was 'neutral'.
Dr Poole said: 'Simply asserting that doctors are failing patients because statin prescriptions for low risk patients have not soared following the new NICE guidance, or proposing to use incentives to increase statin prescriptions, ignores the voice of the individual patient and their right to determine their own treatment.'
Dr Andrew Green, chair of the GPC's clinical prescribing subcommittee said the study 'will fit in with the clinical experience of many GPs'.
Dr Julian Treadwell, vice-chair of the RCGP's standing group of over-diagnosis, said it was 'a fascinating small study' with the result showing low uptake among patients 'after receiving well balanced information'.
However, Dr Treadwell cautioned that the study was done 'in just one practice in a relatively affluent area so we must be cautious about applying the result to the whole population'.
A NICE spokesperson responded: 'The NICE guidance is very clear: it is only after lifestyle changes are considered first, followed by other risk factors such as hypertension, that people who are at risk should be offered the opportunity to use a statin, if they want to.
'They don't have to, and indeed the authors of this study identify the most common reason for not starting a statin in the study were either not wanting to take medication or preferring to initially change their lifestyle.'
They added that the results of this study 'should be interpreted with caution'.
Readers' comments (5)
Recently it has been suggested that migraine with aura is an additional risk factor that takes the CV risk over 10% in a proportion of patients, and that therefore you should take statins. It seems more scientific to me to prevent the migraine attacks! Low-dose aspiring will do this.
In any event there is growing evidence that the relationship of risk, cholesterol and statins may have nothing to do with the cholesterol, but that statins work by some as yet unclear anti-inflammatory mechanism. We should remember that the initial research on cholesterol by Ancel Keyes (on which the whole statin edifice has been constructed) has been shown to have serious flaws. Also it's been shown that the number of prevented strokes or coronaries per prescription of statins is pretty low. And lastly a relative risk reduction of 50% means an absolute reduction of only 5% if the initial absolute risk is 10% - barely statistically significant.
(1) Prevention based on statistics is strictly speaking , only 'pure' science to me. ''I offer you statin because of your 10% chance of having a heart attack or stroke next ten years(since we already try 3-6 months lifestyle changes), although I understand you have never been on regular medication.'' In a way, this sounds like the insurance company advisor trying hard to sell me a life insurance policy product with his risk calculator .
(2) Yet this was the original plan of NICE setting up GPs to earn corresponding QOF points. There is indeed good practice to have a good conversation with a patient about his/her 10 years CVD risk and offer options with lifestyle changes as first choice and statin second . If the patient declines , invite back 12 months later to re-score again(as per the NICE guidance)
(3) But this 10 year CVD risk score will only be meaningful if there is a 'carpet' (NOT opportunistic)screening of all at age between 40-74 and bear in mind all otherwise healthy 75 years old or above should be all on statin as their CVD risk scores are above 20%. The GP workload entailed required for this is enormous and is clearly not 'affordable' in NHS with the current level of resources in primary care. I used the same argument of carpet screening in the debate about dementia screening. Perhaps , it will be 'perfect' if so many patients will take statin everyday and reduce their chance of MI/Stroke by one third .Hence, so many lives can be saved and so much money can be saved for health economics.
(4) Then you still have interesting questions like' What if I still develop a heart attack taking statin everyday?' OR ' Will I certainly have a heart attack if I don't take it?' These are voices coming from ground zero earth , not high up in the tower. To me , using statin for primary prevention at 10% CVD risk is never comparable to vaccination for infectious diseases (MMR , meningitis , hepatitis B etc). Even so, the public still have a lot of doubts about the latter from time to time.
(5) I do not, for a second, question the fact there are abundant evidences of statin in both CVD primary and secondary prevention , particularly the latter ,as well as this debate is no longer about the conspiracy of drug companies pushing statin.But evidence based medicine (EBM) is not perfect and in a way , a 'religion' to me . Then , the evidence of accepting and believing certain EBM is another level of the religion from a philosophical point of view.
(6) Last but not the least , I still yet to see a confident statement about the probability ( not possibility ) of side effects particularly non CK elevated myalgia (nCKEM) -5%,10% or 15%??
As we remember from our teachings in medical school and GP training, individualised medicine is way different from treating the 'crowd' . The art of practising the former with continuity makes the job of general practitioner so unique...........


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Economic rebalancing was a crucial part of China's Twelfth Five Year Plan, approved in 2011.
But the world and China itself have known for a while that China's investment-centric economy was unsustainable and it needed a dramatic shift towards consumption driven growth.
George Magnus, senior economic advisor for UBS sees a catch-22 for China. He thinks the radical reforms that they need could in fact bring about the very slowdown they're trying to avoid:
"The economic problem for China's new leaders is that radical reforms, which would divert the flow of financing, tax, subsidy and other benefits from state-owned enterprises and state-owned banks to private sector SMEs and households, could exacerbate the weakening investment trend and induce the very economic slowdown which they want to avoid.
And the downswing in investment, with its attendant adverse consequences for employment and financial stability, is always more likely to precede the benefits that come from a structural strengthening of the household sector and businesses catering to it."
But Magnus thinks the biggest hurdle to China's reforms are its politics. He says these reforms are likely to divert power away from local governments including military authorities with commercial ties, and they are likely to resist such change. Those in power are going to want to cling to state capitalism, while those one the other end of the economic spectrum that see wealth inequality, will want to democratize the market.
Magnus doesn't expect a hard landing in 2012, and says in the medium term, more important than the hard/soft landing debate, are China's choices between state capitalism and market-oriented capitalism.


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Fire breaks out in toilet cubicle at Sunshine Coast school
UPDATE 12.50PM: Families of students at Nambour State College have been told a toilet roll was set alight in a school toilet cubicle, sparking an emergency situation.
In an email sent to parents, the school said the fire started in the senior boys' toilet, but all students had been accounted for.
Nobody was injured as a result of the fire.
UPDATE 12.20PM: The fire at a Sunshine Coast school started in a toilet cubicle, firefighters report.
Firefighters rushed to Nambour State College after a fire was reported on site.
They found the blaze in the toilet area, on the ground floor in a two-storey building.
The fire was extinguished about 12.10pm.
Paramedics were also called to the scene, but nobody was injured in the incident.
BREAKING 12PM: Emergency crews are rushing to the scene of a reported fire at a Sunshine Coast high school.
One fire crew has just arrived at Nambour State College at Carroll St, Nambour, after the 000 call about 11.45pm.
Firefighters have confirmed there is a structure fire at the site, but no details are yet available on the size or exact location of the blaze.
More to come.


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We're familiar with flat-pack furniture, but have you ever heard of a flat-pack house?
The Tree House is an ingenious construction by Ten Fold, a team of engineers based in the UK. The stackable homes, that can be folded and unfolded, are convenient, space-saving and are relatively cheap in comparison to the rest of the property market, at a reasonable £100,000 ($130,000).
After seven years in the making, inventor David Martyn and his team have perfected their product to be folded and unfolded using only a hand crane. In essence, this new style of housing can be transported with you and can be opened up where ever you choose.
The cross-shaped structure is entered by a small ground-floor doorway which leads to the bulk of the house on the elevated first-floor. It has four compartments which are connected by a central communal area with a high skylight. Surrounded by glass walls, the pop-up home would be full of natural light but also has means for electricity once in situ. It doesn't appear to come with toilet facilities.
Originally designed to be a home, Martyn believes the buildings could also be used as pop-up classrooms, shops, hospitals and shelters for the homeless.
Why now?
Martyn started the project after seeing young people, including his own children, being cut off from home ownership due to exorbitant rents in London. He hopes that this could be the next step in housing development and allow young people to get on the property ladder.
"It will allow the young to get a building without owning the land, it changes the dynamics of the market which does need to change because it is a transportable property asset," Martyn told Metro.
"There's never been one before and this is a really solid building that doesn't have to stay in the same place. It's totally like any normal house, the only issue is that these units can be devised so they can be plugged into traditional infrastructure."
The team have already had a commission for 3,000 houses in South Africa and Martyn is eager for these homes to make a difference.
From: Country Living UK


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I've never had the pleasure of going to Cardiff but as usual, when I put together one of these guides I immediately want to plan a trip. Today I'll hand over to Sarah for a tour of the tenth largest city in the UK and by golly there's lots to see and do…
The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a unique small city with big city benefits and was even described as the 'epitome of cool' by Lonely Planet. But, as one of Cardiff's biggest fans I'm all too aware that outside of the Welsh bubble our diverse, friendly and culture-packed little city is more famous for rugby, rain and raucous nightlife.
As we say in Cardiff, I'm not going to lie – there's a big chance you'll get caught in a shower or two, but come for the weekend and you'll see the city's sunnier side too!
Starting with the aforementioned rugby, it's famous for a reason. If you're here on an international weekend, as we call them, just embrace the daffodil outfits, impromptu street singing and the flowing drinks. With the (recently renamed), iconic Principality Stadium right at the heart of the city centre, Cardiff comes to life when there's a big game being played. You won't find a better atmosphere anywhere.
Other cities have cathedrals, but the jewel in the Cardiff crown is its castle. Again, it's at the heart of the city and everything is within easy walking distance. Climb to the top of the keep for a great view of the city or stroll in via Bute Park's riverside gardens if you're here in spring or summer. Glance up at the outer wall on the approach from the west and you'll see the quirky 'Animal Wall' with 100 year old statues of lynx and seals scrambling above you.
For more Welsh culture, the National Museum of Wales' impressive building is always worth a visit, where you can see a £35m Rembrandt and some of Monet's most famous paintings for free, or head to the new Yr Hen Lyfrgell (The Old Library) on the Hayes, which is also home to the Cardiff Story Museum and has a cool canteen-style café serving delicious hearty lunches by local hero chef Padrig Jones AND a bottle of prosecco is only £13.95! It's a hub of Welsh language culture and welcoming to all, so a simple 'Shwmae' (hello) and 'diolch' (thank you) will be warmly received. There's a tasteful little Welsh gift shop too with some nice homey bits and bobs. Next door is bar and restaurant Locke and Remedy – its industrial chic décor, dark paint palette and patterned tiles offering great interiors inspo.
Although Cardiff is great for walking around, it's also very easy to get from A to B by water taxi. Catch it from the Bute Park stop next to the Castle, have a cuppa and a cake in the vintage-chic Pettigrew Tea Rooms while you wait and head down to Cardiff Bay, Europe's biggest waterfront development. Check out the poetically beautiful architecture of the Wales Millennium Centre building – all Welsh slate and glinting copper and take your pick of waterfront bars and restaurants. The cute little Norwegian Church houses the Roald Dahl named gallery – Cardiff is the little-known home city of everyone's favourite author.
If you are here with kids my recommendation would be to head over towards the Cardiff Bay Barrage, a flat waterside walk perfect for scooters and buggies, with a sandy wooden play park halfway, and stop off at the World of Boats museum, where the waterside café and bar offers the sunniest spot and the best panoramic views. On a rainy day (!) the Techniquest Science Centre is a great way to entertain kids of all ages for an hour or two. And if you've got time, the water taxi also goes from the Bay over to the Victorian seaside town of Penarth where the perfectly photogenic little pier includes a refurbished art deco era cinema and a café with beautiful sea views.
Food and Drink
You will not go hungry in Cardiff as it's really become a foodie destination. Much like its shops it's got quality chains to rival the biggest of the UK's cities, but for a more local experience try the Potted Pig, a restaurant in an old bank vault with a well-stocked gin bar, or the Grazing Shed on St Mary's street for some of the best burgers in town – (and there's plenty of those.) Cafe Citta is the best place for pizza, but is tiny and cosy so book ahead. A favourite of mine is the Purple Poppadum in Canton; an incredible restaurant serving award-winning South Indian food that is absolutely a cut above the usual 'half and half' curry. Opposite the stadium, Bar 44 serves unbeatable, authentic Spanish tapas and the best rioja, with more lust-worthy tiled décor! For cocktails try the Dead Canary – a speakeasy inspired bar with a strong drinks menu (Welsh lamb infused Appleton VX, anyone?) If you can get in, the Pop-Ty Welsh supper club is a completely lovely way to spend an entire evening. For the best of Cardiff's independent food scene under one roof, head to Depot, a warehouse filled with twinkly lights and amazing variety of street food and drinks. For a real taste of Cardiff's multicultural food scene, City Road is the place to head. It's not slick and shiny like the Bay, but you'll find everything from Syrian to Thai and Turkish restaurants with a loyal local following. If you've still got the appetite for a night out, Clwb Ifor Bach and The Moon Club are the places to head for indie discos and new bands.
It's not a weekend away if you don't treat yourself to brunch in my opinion. Head out to leafy Pontcanna and have a full Welsh breakfast and a Bloody Mary at Café Brava, or have coffee and pastries at the new super-cool Danish bakery, Brød. If it's the first Saturday of the month, stick around for craft ale at the Pipes Brewery event and head over to The Bone Yard for arty finds afterwards.
You can browse vintage bargains galore at The Castle Emporium and the St Mary St weekend market, or unearth treasures at the four storey Jacobs Antiques, which also screens rooftop cinema events.
Away from the frankly brilliant range of big chains in St David's 2 and the rest of the city centre (the John Lewis beauty hall, Jo Malone and new Michael Kors are particular treats) , Cardiff's warren of stunning covered Victorian arcades are a wonderful way to while away a few hours. Don't miss Home by Kirsty for scandi-inspired, Welsh-made interiors and gifts, and for vinyl fans, Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world. Pad Deco has high-end designer interior items and Wally's Deli is a total treat for the foodie shopper. Madame Fromage, The Plan and Waterloo Tea are the best places in the arcades to stop for refreshments. In the suburb of Roath you'll find loads of arty little shops and in Pontcanna, Kitki boutique has very stylish threads and unique brands.
Thanks Sarah for a smashing tour of Cardiff. Any other places you lovely lot want to suggest in the welsh capital?


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Bedazzling Begonias
An article by: John J. Marshall
For bold, eye-popping hues in container gardens and color beds, go with tuberous begonias. Tuberous begonias are perennials that grow from swollen stems. Roots emerge from the bottom; shoots and leaves appear along the top and sides. Their parentage can be traced to species found in South America and hybridized during the late 19th century.
Their botanical name is Begonia x tuberhybrida. The genus is named for Michel Begon (1638-1710), naturalist and governor of New France (French Canada). Tuberhybrida means "hybrid tuber." No surprise there, eh?
Tuberous begonias produce beautiful, succulent foliage, typical of the genus. Impressive flowers appear from mid-summer until cold weather stops them. Colors are available throughout the color spectrum. Common flower forms include double or camellia-types, fimbriata or carnation-types, and pendulous. Their appearance is very lush. Plant height is around 12″. They lend themselves to all kinds of uses from container gardening in small spaces to mass plantings in flower beds. They're wonderful for hanging baskets, especially the pendulous forms.
Tuberous begonias can be grown almost anywhere in the United States, but they are reliably hardy only in USDA climate zones 10 and 11. Some gardeners lift and store over winter in cooler zones, but they are rather inexpensive so are often treated as annuals.
Begonias prefer partial to full shade. Rich soil, moist but well-drained, is best with mildly acidic pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.5. The best way to determine if the pH is within range and contains the proper nutrients is to have the soil tested. Your local Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service can help you. You can collect the soil sample yourself. For a nominal fee, they will send your soil sample to a laboratory for analysis. Be sure to call the Extension office for instructions.
If you use potting soil, choose the finest grade available. Cheap soil will give poor results. The best potting soils will be light-weight, peat-based with added materials to enhance plant growth. Select containers that will allow you to include companion plants, if desired. Larger containers will require less frequent watering. The addition of water retentive gel can be beneficial.
Cultivate the soil, if necessary, and remove weeds. If you use synthetic fertilizer, allow at least a week before planting so it can be incorporated into the soil by rain or irrigation and not burn the tubers. Time-release fertilizers for annual plants are excellent.
Plant your begonias in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Planting holes or trenchs should be about 3″ deep. Space the rhizomes about 8 to 12 inches apart. Lay them flat in the bottom of the hole or trench. Don't worry about which side is up. Cover with about two inches of soil. Water deeply. If some of the soil washes away, add more.
During summer, you may fertilize occasionally. Irrigate if rainfall is inadequate. Keep soil moist, but not soggy.
When I plant color, I tend to go "hog-wild." No dabs here and there for me. I like lots of it. I think you will, too. Try a box of tuberous begonias in your garden. You'll be surprised how many ways you can use them.
About the Author
John Marshall is the owner of goGardenNow.com, an online store for gardeners and "yardeners." Read his bio and enjoy his blog at goGardenNow.blogspot.com.


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Welcome to the RISK Engineering & Project Controls Conference 2019
The Risk Engineering Society (RES) and Australian Cost Engineering Society (ACES) of Engineers Australia would like to thank you for attending the RISK PCC Conference 2019. We hope you enjoyed your time and we thank you for making this year a huge success.
Th 2019 conference explored the theme A Time for Action – Risk Engineering & Project Controls Impacting the Future which included the following streams:
- Risk Engineering & Culture
- Project Planning & Scheduling
- Integrated Project Controls
- Contracts & Commercial Management
We thank you for your attendance.
Yours sincerely,


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The Monster 821 pays homage to the legacy of the Monster 900, which over 25 years ago revolutionised the motorcycle world which set the benchmark for all naked sports bikes.
The design of the new Monster 821 are true to the original lines of the bike born in 1993 but revisited with a modern flair. The silhouette and unmistakable tank also comes with a fastening hook, just like the first Monster.
With its sporty performance and agility, the new Monster 821 has been designed for maximum riding pleasure. The performance of the 109 HP Testastretta 11° engine is enhanced by the Ducati Safety Pack (ABS and Ducati Traction Control) and the Riding Modes (sport, touring, urban), which guarantee maximum safety always and everywhere. Stealth variant recieves an awesome unique colour scheme, a quickshifter and fly screen as standard.
In 2018, the Ducati Monster 821 has been sharpened to follow the lines of its three bigger brothers the Monster 1200, 1200S and the Monster 1200R
The Monster 821 is also available for those with a restricted A2 licence, as a version with 35 kW of regulated power.
The low maintenance Ducati Testastretta 11° engine of the Monster 821 allow for particularly long maintenance intervals and reduced running costs, with oil changes every 9,000 miles (or 12 months) and valve clearance and belt change (Desmo Service) every 18,000 miles.
Our Accessorise My Ducati page lets you search for and buy genuine Ducati Monster 821 accessories with just one click.
Ducati Monster 821 Stealth
Black £10,655.00
All new Ducati motorcycles come as standard with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty and 24 months Roadside Assistance
Except for the full Multistrada range that from 01/11/2019 will come as standard with a 4 year unlimited mileage warranty.
Ever Red is an additional 1 or 2 year unlimited mileage Ducati Factory warranty extension of your original warranty. We are only able to offer this product if it is purchased at the time of your motorcycle purchase, offering you 3 or 4 years peace of mind.
Ever Red is transferrable both on private sale or in the event of a bike being traded in and will therefore enhance the value of your machine at this time.
There are no claims limits, no claims fees, no added paperwork.
Excludes Multistrada as this now comes with a 4 year factory warranty as standard.
Ever Red
12 Months
24 Months
Panigale V4 R
Panigale V4
Streetfighter V4
Costs are inclusive of VAT of 20%
Please talk to a member of our sales team to organise this cover for you. 01508 471919
With Ever Red warranty extension, your bike is entirely covered for manufacturing defects.
Ever Red warranty extension includes all features in line with the standard manufacturer warranty.
However, it does not include:
a) Malfunctions owing to improper maintenance, repair or lack of care for the bike (we remind you that the official Ducati maintenance plan must be respected for the standard warranty to be valid).
b) Components subject to wear or deterioration as a result of the normal operation of the bike (for example: tyres, filters, lights, final drive, belts, flexible controls, spark plugs, friction components including the clutch and brake pads and discs).
c) Aesthetic damage to painted or chromed surfaces, also as a result of oxidation or atmospheric agents owing to environmental conditions or exceptional circumstances, or to irregular or incorrect washing of the bike.
d) Installation of components/accessories and modifications to the bike that are not approved by Ducati.
e) The bike's battery.
f) Bikes used in any kind of sporting competition.
g) Bikes used for commercial or rental services.
In the event of any query regarding your warranty please contact us here at Ducati Norwich 01508 471919
The Monster 821 is powered by the Testastretta 11° 821 cc engine, with air injection system. A secondary air system similar to the one used on the 1199 Panigale has been introduced in order to optimise operation and reduce combustion cycle variability, without affecting emissions. A controlled flow of clean air is injected into the exhaust pipe, enabling total oxidation of the hot exhaust gases, efficiently cutting hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels.
The Testastretta 11° engine fitted to the Monster 821 is an exclusive feature of these bikes and its structure has been engineered to be an integral element of the frame. In addition, the air filter and exhaust system have been designed to provide improved torque at low-medium engine speeds.
The transmission features an oil bath clutch with "slipper" function and a lever that is very light to the touch. It is equipped with a gradual self-servo system that compresses the discs when the engine speed is reduced, allowing the load on the pressure plate springs to be reduced. This reduces the stress on the clutch lever, ensuring optimum conditions in city traffic when frequent gear changes are required, or on long trips.
When the transmission force is reversed (overload), the same mechanism makes it possible to reduce the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to work in "slipper" mode, which reduces the destabilising effect on the rear end during aggressive downshifting and gives a feeling of greater fluidity when decelerating or downshifting in normal driving conditions.
The meticulous design and top-quality materials used for the Monster have allowed amazing results to be achieved.
Adjusting the valve clearance is scheduled for every 30,000 km and changing the oil every 15,000 km, increasing service intervals and cutting running costs. These results were made possible by improving combustion efficiency and cutting the operating temperatures of the Testastretta 11° engine.
The Monster 821 now comes with a TFT display
The new Monster 821 is fitted with an adjustable seat (± 25 mm) that can adapt to the needs of customers all over the world.
The standard seat height can easily be adjusted to the lowest (785 mm) or highest (810 mm) positions. In addition, two optional seats allow riders to lower it another 20 mm (765/790 mm) or even 40 mm (745/770 mm).
|TFT display
|24 months unlimited mileage extendable
|Service Interval
|15.000km (9.000m)/12 Months
|Valve Clearance
|30.000km (18,000m)
|Tubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
|1480mm (58.3in)
|93.2mm (3.7in)
|Front Suspension
|Upside down 43mm forks
|Front Wheel
|10-spoke in light alloy 3.50" x 17"
|Front Wheel Travel
|130mm (5.1in)
|Front Brake
|2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-pistons, axiial pump with ABS as standard
|Front Tyre
|120/70 ZR 17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
|Rear Suspension
|Progressive linkage with adjustable monoshock. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
|Rear Wheel Travel
|140mm (5.5 in)
|Rear Brake
|245mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment
|Rear Wheel
|10-spoke in light alloy 5.50" x 17"
|Rear Tyre
|180/60 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
|Fuel Capacity
|17.5l - (4.6 US gal)
|Dry Weight
|179.5kg (395.7lb)
|Seat Height
|Adjustable 785 - 810 mm (30.9 - 31.9)
|Max Height
|Max Length
|Testastretta 11° L-Twin
|Bore and Stroke
|88 x 67.5mm
|Compression Ratio
|80 kW (109 hp) @ 9,250 rpm
|86 Nm (63 lb-ft) @ 7,750 rpm
|Fuel Delivery
|Electronic fuel injection system, 53mm throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire
|Stainless steel muffler and aluminium and cap; lightweight 2-1 system with catalytic converter with 2 lambda probes
|Euro 4
|6 speed
|1=37/15 2=30/17 3=28/20 4=26/22 5=24/23 6=23/24
|Primary Drive
|Straight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1
|Final Drive
|Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 46
|APTC slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with control cable
or you may want to explore options online at the following link
Ducati TriOptions Finance
Other approved used motorcyles to consider
Seastar Superbikes at registered address The Garage, Ipswich Road, Newton Flotman, Norwich, Norfolk. NR15 1PN is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN: 665750. All finance is subject to status and income and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is only available through Manufacturers Finance schemes which are a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. Finance figures are applicable at time of print and are subject to change. Representative example based on annual mileage shown above. With a Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) Return the motorcycle and not pay the Optional Final Repayment. If the motorcycle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded the maximum agreed mileage you will have nothing further to pay. If the motorcycle has exceeded the maximum agreed mileage a charge for excess mileage will apply – in this example 6p per mile + VAT for any excess mileage up to 4,999 miles and 12p per mile + VAT for any excess mileage exceeding 4,999 miles. (2) Pay the Optional Final Repayment to own the motorcycle or (3) Part exchange the motorcycle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us an introduction fee. Guaranteed future values (Optional Final Payment) may vary from month to month. Figures shown are for guidance only. Please call us for a fixed quotation.
Covid-19 Update:
We have a skeleton staff re-booking cancelled jobs and new enquiries received by email during lockdown, processing online orders and handing over bikes (whilst distancing) that were purchased before lockdown. Our workshop is running albeit at a reduced level of manpower (to enable social distancing) and is solidly booked for well over 5 weeks so please expect delays in booking availability. Orders can now be placed online (although we would suggest you wait till 1st June when our Brand New website should be launched) and via email for bikes or product, however not all our suppliers are up and running yet so there could be a short wait. We will keep you informed.
Phones are off at present, but you can contact us by email at email@example.com for service enquiries, firstname.lastname@example.com for parts, accessory and clothing enquiries, email@example.com for all bike enquiries and firstname.lastname@example.com for anything else.
Opening the shop
We are due to open the shop on the 1st of June, initially on a "by appointment" basis. For now, these can be booked by email however, we anticipate turning the phones back on from Tuesday 26th May - If needed on a part time basis to allow our reduced team to process enquiries as they come in.
Bike Sales
We are taking orders via email for bikes now that can be prepared ready for when we are open. Please email Tony at firstname.lastname@example.com . supplying your telephone number so that we can call you to discuss, along with the details of the bike that you are interested in.
ALL New Website to assist in distance purchasing:
We have during closure been working very hard to complete our new website which is aimed to make remote transactions much easier. In excess of 10,000 product lines will be available for online purchase (Clothing and Accessories) and we have fine-tuned the finance section for new and used bikes that will allow you to play with the figures to get your ideal quote, soft check your credit eligibility without harming your credit rating and make a full application for finance all within the website. Once agreed we are now able to offer remote finance signing reducing your time in the shop at collection point. We hope to have the new website live on June 1st. (This is a last-minute rush. Please let us know if you encounter any issues on the new site - email@example.com).
Service Unavailable at present
Due to insurance limitations we are currently unable to offer courtesey bikes.
Delivery and collection service is not available, however we can put you in touch with a motorcycle collection and delivery company should you need this service.
Seastar Superbikes can be found 6 miles south of Norwich on the A140 main Norwich to Ipswich road.View Map


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Weapon lights are all the rage these days. Police around the country are equipping themselves with a variety of different lights for both their handguns and rifles. These lights are also so prevalent with the military I challenge you to find an infantry unit not using one model or another. Weapon lights offers something more effective than night sights could ever hope to be. A weapon light allows a police officer, soldier, or civilian positive identification on their target. This identification includes an effective means of determining the intentions of a person, and if they are armed or not. A weapon light is an invaluable tool to keep in the 'box.'
SureFire X400 Ultra-High Output LED and Laser Weapon Light, Red
Surefire is the premier name in tactical weapon lights. A favorite of both the police and the United States military, the Surefire brand has an expansive line of weapon lights, suppressors, and lasers. The Surefire X400 is one of their flagship weapon lights. The X400 provides a blistering Ultra High 500 lumens of direct light, enough to cause temporary blinding of a target. The X400 is at home on either a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The model has an optional pistol grip and forend switch for long guns. The X400's intense beam is for target identification, as well as a searchlight for evidence in low light.
The X400 is constructed from an impact, shockproof, ruggedized aluminum. The Surefire X400 is designed to be rugged, and to be ran hard and put away wet. I mean that literally, this is a mil-spec light that resists moisture and water. The Surefire works in the most diverse environments and is capable of operating in diverse temperatures, from Alaska to Afghanistan this light will shine on.
The Surefire X400 has a quick detach rail clamp, that bolts on and holds on. Regardless of recoil or rounds fired once the light is locked it doesn't come off until you want it off. The Surefire X400 also features a bright laser, in either red or green. A laser is, of course, an efficient low light aiming device, however during the day this laser is hardly visible past twenty feet. The X400 uses two 123 batteries for a total of 1.5 hours continuous run time. The runtime may seem low, but when you are running 500 lumens in a compact unit you are bound to burn batteries. The X400 is a rugged, powerful weapon light at home on any firearm with a rail.
Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 HL High Lumen Rail-Mounted Tactical Light with Red Laser
The Streamlight TLR-2 is a popular handgun weapon light that is a good deal more compact than your average weapon light. Although nothing stops this light from being mounted on a rifle, it is somewhat small and under-powered for most rifle duties. The max power is a respectable 160 lumens and combined with a 2.5-hour continuous battery life makes it an efficient weapon light. The laser, when ran by itself, can last 48 hours. The power source is two 123 batteries.
The TLR-2 has several different options available for it, including a green laser variant, red laser variant, and a variant featuring a strobe. The last variant is the HL model with an increase in lumens, for a total of 300, with around half the battery life. The TLR-2 is fast and easy to mount to all 1913 and Glock rails. The TLR-2 features ambidextrous controls at the rear of the light, which have an option for always on mode, or momentary. Momentary is an option that allows the user to flash the light when necessary, and immediately turn it off. This aids in maintaining light discipline. The TLR-2 with strobe has an additional control option to activate the strobe.
The TLR-2 is made from anodized aluminum and is impact and shock resistant. The bulb has a lifetime burn of 50,000 hours and is made from impact resistant Boro float glass. The TLR-2 is rated to IPX4 for water resistance, meaning it's water resistant, but not submersible. The light can get wet, but is not advised to be in a heavy rain for more than five minutes. The TLR-2 is dependable, bright enough for most work, and quite affordable for the quality the light provides.
Surefire Ultra High Ouput LED Weaponlight, Black
The Surefire X300 is another high-quality Surefire weapon light. The X300 features the same blinding 500 lumens as the X400 but focus the light into the yellow-green spectrum. This spectrum of light is optimal for most human vision. The beam is focused, enough so to blind a perpetrator, but provides sufficient peripheral light for objects outside your focused vision. The Surefire X300 is capable of attaching to any Picatinny, and universal rails. Rail adapters are also available for the H&K series of weapons. Surefire has even produced their own MR adapter mounts for handguns that lack rails.
The X300 is not limited to the handgun realm. In fact, the X300 has the choice for an optional pressure switch that replaces the pistol centric rear controls. This pressure switch allows the light to turn on as soon as the user grips the appropriate area of the rifle. Not to leave handguns out, because the X300 is also compatible with the DG switch, which acts like a pressure switch, but optimized for a pistol's grip.
The X300 does lack the addition of a laser, for those not concerned with the optional laser the X400 offers they can find themselves saving nearly two hundred dollars by choosing the X300. Surefire gets a lot of flak by the community for it's high prices, but the X300 is priced at almost the same level as anything by Streamlight. The X300 is made just as tough as the weapon's it's mounted on. The service life of the X300 uses two standard Surefire 123 batteries and has a continuous run time of 1.5 hours. The lack of a laser also drops the weight from 4.9 ounces to 4 ounces. Nearly an ounce gone, and as any soldier worth his salt will tell you ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.
Streamlight 69240 TLR-4 Compact Rail Mounted Tactical Light with Laser Sight
The TLR -4 is Streamlight's entry into the ultra-compact weapon light. This model sits almost flush with compact weapons like the Glock 19 or SIG P229. The TLR-4 is light, at only 2.8 ounces with the battery. This keeps the weapon nice and balanced when equipped with the TLR-4. The light cuts weight by using a single battery. This does cut the effective run time to about an hour and a half at a 125 lumens.
The TLR-4 was not made for the extended engagements police and military may find themselves in, but for the average concealed carrier. This light is dim compared to the Surefire lights but is also almost half the weight of the X400. The TLR-4 manages to fit a laser underneath the light to provide a night time aiming option. The laser can run 11 hours continuously when used by itself.
The controls remain ambidextrous and the light features a momentary and a steady on/off options. The TLR-4 cuts more weight by mixing in a healthy dose of a tough and reliable polymer. Some may cringe on the idea of a polymer weapon light, but they still mount a light to a polymer pistol frame. The high impact polymer used is just as reliable as metal. The TLR-4 does use an aluminum face cap to protect the lens and bulb. The lens is made from the strong Borofloat glass for maximum protection and durability. The TLR-4 snaps on from he side and only needs one hand. This is a feature I like because sometimes you need a light, but can't be pointing a pistol at everything. The light is easy to pop off and use for handheld functions. The TLR-4 is a good weapon light for compact pistols and is priced at a point it's hard to say no.
Viridian C5L Universal Sub-Compact Green Laser Sight with Tactical Light
We've covered the light for compacts like the Glock 19, and these pistols may be known as compacts, but for most concealed carriers they are anything but. The Smith and Wesson M&Pc and Walther CCP are much more compact and much easier for everyday carry. These weapons still feature rails and can still feature weapon lights. The Viridian C5L allows you to mount a weapon light, without compromising the size and concealability of your firearm.
The C5L is compact but still features a combination light and laser. The C5L has a 100 lumen light that can also strobe at a 140 lumens. The power source is a single CR3 3 volt battery that last 1 hours continuous use light and laser use, 4 hours constant laser, and 7 hours for the laser on pulse mode. The Viridian uses their famous green laser on this model that is not only bright at night, but easy to see in the day.
The C5L fits flush on most subcompacts, neatly between the muzzle and trigger guard. The unit features a rounded profile with nothing to poke, prod, or catch during the draw. The controls are ambidextrous and are located on the right and left side of the unit. They take the form of easy to press buttons, which are nice and large, and the finger finds them naturally. The Viridian is good for the civilian concealed carrier looking for a lightweight (2.3 ounces), compact, and powerful weapon light for everyday carry.
Light it Up
Choosing a weapon light is all about the mission at hand. What is your goal with the light? The five lights presented here are all known to be quality pieces of gear, but each fulfills a different mission. To choose the right weapon light, you need to understand why you need it. From there it's all a matter of choice.