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Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy New Year!
OK, We are new to this! My six year old son was trying to post a comment about the book Dinotopia. I think we actually created a blog on Dinotopia. Whew, this would have been easier! Anyway, here is his review:
Bix was a dinosaur. They were at a beach. The sand was yellow. The name of the book is Dinotopia. Cab, Age 6
Thanks, Cab! Good work! Come in and get your free book! I've always wanted to read a Dinotopia book. Maybe I wll now. Have any of you other guys read any of them?
Have a good 2008!
PS--It's still not too late to tell us about your favorite books of 2007!
PPS--You are the first one to be entered in our free T-shirt contest!. The boy who writes the most comments about books will win a free T-shirt like the one on our December 28 psot.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Hope You Enjoyed Your Holidays
(Darth Bill: Carl, Carl, Carl you are so uncouth. My family at this special time of year likes to play pin the sharp object on the Grandma. Ho, Ho, Ho funny indeed!!!!!!)
Arrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! Thank ye Carl ya ole landlubber ya. Yes indeed mateys, today me and my mangy band of no good, foloten, spit-in-yer-dog's-eye pirates made Pirate Ships and, I tell ye, there be some fine ship builders in this 'ere crew. Just take a peek below ifin ya scoundrels don't believe me.
Zaki works on his fearsome pirate ship!!!!
Yours truly demonstrating how ta build a proper pirate ship. Arhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Twas great fun, Arrrhhhhh!!!!! Maybe next time some of ya sea-dog scalawags out there reading this might want ta give er a try?
Well, have a happy New Year all and watch out for black spots and wooden legged Capetian's by the name of Silver!!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Enjoy Your Holidays!
School will be out for you soon, so we hope you find some time to write us about your favorite book or books that you read in 2007. Doesn't have to be long (though we love to hear as much as you'd like to say); just the title and a sentence or two would be great. And we both hope that you enjoy your break and have a Happy Holiday Season!
Carl & Darth Bill
The Kandy Kane Kid
Kringle by Tony Abbott
Wow! What a book! Did you ever think there could be an action-packed fantasy adventure about Santa Claus? I have to admit I was skeptical at first, but Tony Abbott won me over in the first couple of pages. The story starts off with the story of Kringle's birth (he was named after the sound of a magic bell) and his parnets' death at the hands of goblins. Kringle was taken in by a woman named Merwen and stayed there he was twelve. Then the goblins attacked Merwen's house. Kringle and Merwen narrowly escaped but were separated. There Kringle was, alone in the dark and dangerous world, trying to survive the snow, the pirates, and stop the horrible plan of the goblins. There is a lot of action, magic, and a real showdown between good and evil. The good guys really make you want to root for them and the golbins--well, they're not the cutesy goblins of Halloween rhymes. They're nasty, vile, disgusting creatures who live in nasty, vile, disgusting underground tunnels, stealing treasure and children for a truly scary master plan. As I said, there's lots of adventure--and Kringle becomes the gift-bringer for a very good reason! You've got to read this! I couldn't put it down and enjoyed every page. By the way, it's fun to read over the holidays, but this would be good any time of year. (PS--Kringle, that is Kris Kringle, is an old name for Santa Claus)
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis. I said once before that I don't often talk about picture books but some are so good that I have to mention them. Like this one. In this story, seven brothers in the African country of Ghana argue and fight all day long. They never stop and they never get along. Then, when their father dies, the village chief tells them that thier father left an inheritance for them but they have to find a way to turn seven spools of thread into gold by nightfall or they they will be turned out of their house as beggars. What an impossible situation! Yet, in a way that you wouldn't expect, they make it happen. This a terrific book with great illustrations by Daniel Minter.
Tumbleweed Christmas by Alane Ferguson. Imagine driving through the desert, trying to get somewhere with your mom for Christmas. Then imagine that your car breaks down in the middle of the desert! The only place to stay is a cheap fleabag motel, and that's where you'll spend Christmas. Sound like your worst Christmas nightmare? It could have been, but the boy in this story learns a thing or two about Christmas that changes his attitude. This is one of those stories that you read and never forget.And don't forget Hershel and the Hankkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel, reviewed on 12-13.
Well, that's it, buckaroos. Have yore selves a rootin' tootin' good holiday season!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Another Interview! This One With James Ransome
Is it cool for boys to write/draw? Why?
Who was your favorite comic book character when you were a boy? Do you have a favorite character now?
My all time favorite has disappeared from our comic book shelves: the Master of Kung Fu. If you can imagine a combination of Bruce Lee and James Bond tied into one, that's the Master of Kung Fu. I just loved the drawings in these comic books. I would say that today, my favorite is Batman. I've grown to really appreciate the Dark Knight. I love it that he doesn't truly have superhuman strength, but relies on his wit and inventions to fight evil.
What is your favorite sport? FOOTBALL!
What do you like to do for fun?
Nothing special;, listening to music of being with friends. I still enjoy playing football, and I have a group of guys that get together on Saturdays and play for fun.
What is the favorite book you have written?
I have favorites I've illustrated: Satchel Paige, Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl and Uncle Jed's Barbershop.
Which do you like better--cheeseburgers or pizza? What do you like on them?
I'm a cheeseburger person.
Jed, the only black barber in the county, tries to save enough money to open his own barbershop but, back in the day, that was hard for a man like Jed. Really good story.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Now for Something Really Big!!!!!
My Morning Make A Jedi Cry Ritual!!!!!
Hello all,
It is I, the great and Noble Sith Lord Darth Bill. I have been busy and away from the blog far too long, it appears. Let me address some issues that have arisen while I have been away:
1) Sir Samuel, if I were a mere Jedi I'm sure I would accept your gracious apology. As I am not a cowardly Jedi or Jedi friend, I find myself jiggling with glee that I have reduced you to that oh-so-sad apologetic state. Dear boy, never, ever apologize to a Sith. I am amused by your lack of knowledge in the ways of the dark side. If anyone else feels the need to apologize or grovel at my feet, please feel free to do so as I do enjoy it all so much! Hahahahahahahahahahaahhaahhahahahhahahhhhahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha!!!!
Oh, I do slay me!
2) Bravo and Hip, Hip Hooray to Mr. Kimmel (I do so love his book "Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock." He has a great Sithish Sense of humor, I would dare say!) and Mr. Abbott (his "Secrets of Droon" series I am about to start reading. I have heard nothing but good things about them! I wonder if they have in Sith Lords in them? Hum?) for sharing some cool info with us about themselves.
3) I gotta tell ya; I am so disappointed in one Jedi Sympathiser that goes by the name of Mr. Carl. Yes, I think we all know who I am talking about. We recently had a little get together here at the library to celebrate the holidays. Everyone was here for the most part except--guess who? If you said Carl you would be 100% correct. What was his excuse you ask? Was he fighting crime in his costumed identity as "The Sleepmaster?" Noooooooooooooo!!!!! Was he saving the Earth by recycling insane amounts of plastic soda bottles!!!!! Nooooooooooooooooooo!!! What was his grand and stupendous excuse? He was sleepy and tired!!!!!! That's right at 6:00 p.m. Carl had over stayed his bedtime limit!!!! I gotta say guys this is lamo!!!!!!!!!! He must of had Jedi training in his youth; disgusting I tell ya!!!!!!!
Well now, I really want to talk about one of our new books that I know you cats will dig:
If Dinosaurs were Alive Today by Dougal Dixon - This a a really cool book in many ways. Not only does it give you an Overview of the Story of the Dinosaurs, Lives of the Plant-Eaters, Lives of the Man-Eaters, Lives of the Ocean-Dwellers, Lives of the Flying Reptiles, The End of the Dinosaurs, among many other interesting factoids, but it also hypothesizes through really cool writing and great pictures, like the one on the cove, what life in the here and now would be if some of these great beasts lived today. Some examples shown and written about are: a Tyrannosaurus surprising and attacking a heard of Wild Cattle; a Rhino facing off with a Styracosaurs and many, many more. This is a truly awesome book that needs to be read and looked at to really be appreciated.
Well, peace everyone and have a great holiday season,
Bill "The Kidder" Librarian
We're Still Busy!
Tony is the coolest guy in kidlit! I'm partial to Firegirl, but I can't wait for THE POSTCARD.
Hi Tony!
Wow---Colorado is a long way to come to get your free book. Well, if you're ever in Charlotte, come on in to Imaginon and look up Bill or me. What sort of things do you write, Colorado Writer? Tony is a cool guy; I wish I could have spent more time with him here. I'm still in the middle of Kringle and sure hope I can get some time to read more today. It's getting better every chapter!
Someone gave me a dollar-store DVD for Christmas last year called Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. I'll tell you all about it sometime after I get to watch it.
Tell us about the favorite books you read in 2007!
PS--Colorado Writer sent us another comment today about Tony Abbott. He really is a good guy, isn't he?
I have way too many favorite books to list.I met Tony Abbott at the LA SCBWI Conference in August and he is just an inspiration.I took photos of him with his Golden Kite Award and we talked with him about my budding writing career.He is a wonderful man!
That's good of him to encourage a new writer. Have you had anything published yet? Let us know!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wow! We ARE Busy!
Brief and to the point! Well done, Zoe; come in and get your free book. I'm excited about the new book too. Don't forget, the Percy Jackson series made on my Favorites of 2007 list. What were your favorites? Tell us! (see our post of December 10 to find out more)
How Cool Is This? We Have an Interview With Eric Kimmel...
is the same as breathing. If you don't breathe, your body is dead. If you don't
read, your mind is dead. Reading is more important than just being cool. It's
essential. Show me a leader in any field in any field who doesn't read. I can't
think of any. Knowledge is power. Plug into the power of your mind. Open a
figure out if it's okay to do what you want to do. Truly cool people do what they
want and don't care what other people think. Leaders lead. You can't be a leader
if you're always trying to figure out where everybody else is going. Think for
yourself. That's the only way to be really cool.
If you want to write, write! If you want to draw, dance, paint, play an instrument,
then go ahead and do it. If you like to read or just daydream, you don't have to
make apologize or ask anyone's permission.
Your real friends will always support you. The people who matter will encourage
you. As for the rest, they're just a bunch of dogs barking. Let 'em bark. Who
a favorite character now?
opening of the old TV show. "Faster than a speeding bullet…" I don't read comic
books anymore. I'm too old for graphic novels. There's one I really thought was
stupendous. Check out Art Spiegel's Maus (vol. 1 & 2)
experiences were negative. I couldn't catch, couldn't hit, couldn't field. I spent a
lot of time standing in the outfield doing nothing and at bat doing nothing. They
told me not to swing. Maybe the pitcher would walk me. One day I brought a
book to the game, sat down in the outfield and read it. Nobody paid the slightest
attention and it didn't affect the outcome of the game one bit.
That doesn't mean I'm inactive. I enjoyed tennis until my knee went. I love riding
horses and my bicycle. In the summer I go on 40-50 mile rides in the Oregon
I don't mean to put you down if you enjoy sports. Just remember this. The best
sports are the ones you play yourself. Don't turn into the kind of person who sits
on the couch, watching others play. Don't be a couch potato. If you're going to sit
on the couch, at least make sure you're reading a book. Then, at least, your brain
will be getting some exercise.
happily spend a whole day at a bluegrass festival just listening to music and
hanging out with the banjo pickers. I'm a voracious reader. I go through 5-10 fat
history books a week. I enjoy cooking, especially baking bread. I love fiber arts.
I'm an excellent knitter. I know how to spin and I'm just starting to get into
the Hanukkah Goblins.
except sweet stuff like pineapple. Ugh! My favorite topping is anchovies. If you
don't want them, save them for me. If you really love pizza, you have to go to
Italy. Pizza there is completely different there. The indredients are fresh, so the
taste is out of this world.
Guess what else I love to eat. Barbecue! I'm partial to the Texas style, but did
you know that North Carolina barbecue is famous? Folks in your state use more
vinegar than the Texans. North Carolina pulled pork—my, oh, my! That's good!!
I guess that's the end of the questions. Thanks for giving me a chance to
respond. I loved my time in Charlotte and I love your library. There's nothing like
it in the world!
Eric A. Kimmel
...and Tony Abott!
Mini-interview with Tony Abbott!
Why do you think it's cool for boys to read?
There is so much world out there, and none of us has the time or opportunity to know more than our own little space of it, unless we read.
Is it cool for boys to write/draw? Why?
Absolutely! Boys are often shy or awkward socially (I sure was!), and writing and drawing can help them to express themselves. They can be a sort of open window for them. I also think it's one of the most amazing powers to go through your life being open to what you see and feel and imagine and then using your creativity, your art, to make something, a story, a poem, a picture, a sculpture, a film.
Who was your favorite comic book character when you were a boy? Do you have a favorite character now?
I actually didn't have a good time with comics. Something about the business on the page kept me from really getting into comics in a big way. However, there was never any question with me. Batman was and is the greatest hero. He doesn't have powers. He is just a guy who wants to do the right thing. The thing I loved and love about Batman is that I could be him. I could do that. The only thing separating me (or anyone!) from being a "Batman" is that we are afraid. Batman all the way.
What is your favorite sport?
I like watching football and tennis, and playing tennis. I am not good at all, but it's a great sport, and can be played by someone who is not super strong or big or hugely muscled. I played golf for a while, but it's very slow; too slow for me.
What do you like to do for fun?
I read, but that's probably part of my writing life. I love to mow the lawn. Does that sound silly? Other parts of yardwork are okay, but cutting the grass is the best. I like seeing the increasing progress of my work, and the fragrance of newly mown grass is one of the best smells ever.
What is the favorite book you have written?
Hard question. I love FIREGIRL because it's very personal and may be my best book so far. I love KRINGLE because of its theme, combining Christmas with a fully imagined fantasy. I suppose these days, I'm in love with my upcoming novel, THE POSTCARD. It's a comedy/mystery set in
Which do you like better--cheeseburgers or pizza? What do you like on them?
Again, hard question to answer. I don't eat cheeseburgers as much as I eat pizza – I suppose because of the cholesterol in beef, so I'll have to say pizza. I like plain cheese, but I also like margarita pizzas, with basil, and mozzerella. Mmm. Now you've made me hungry.
Thanks, Tony! Sorry I don't have a pepperoni--ground beef--mushroom--black olive one on me. Hmmm---now I want one! Well, I'm reading Kringle and will post about it when I'm finished. I'll tell you what--I can't wait to finish it! It's great! If you'd like to visit Tony's website, click here.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Three Faces of Sir Samuel
See how he strikes a knightly and noble pose. His trusty sword is raised on high, ready to smite evildoers and boring books with his mighty arm. (The book he holdeth is The Eternal Flame, v.III of T. A. Barron's The Great Tree of Avalon series) Not only did he pay us a visit, however, but he also sent us two new comments:
Hello, me fine friends and siths. First and for-most, I must apoligize for the assault I made on a certain sith. I realize it was against my code of chivalry and that it would be wise to halt things before they get started. You know, I never have been fond of hiring ninjas to assault enemy households anyhow. But, I am here to book review and review books, wot wot, so I must now fulfill my duty.I wilt review TWO books in this ONE post. Quite stunnning, I know- they should make me a wizard for such a feat! That's it. I'm now Samuel the Wizard!!!! ...... Sorry about that.
The reviews: Children of the LampThis is a story about two children who, one day, find out they are descendants of a long running line of genies- or djinn, properly speaking. They are thrust into an adventure as they find out about the duties and responsibilities of a true djinn. It is a mystery filled with intresting facts and mythology, and explores many places in Egypt. Every one of its 355 pages is filled with humor, intrique, and an overhanging sense of peril. Who could wish for more?(Get it! They're genies/djinn and I said wish? I know. Beyond words.)
Here There Be DragonsThis is my all time favorate of all time. It is simply amazing, full of suprises, and has a deep yet funny plotline that will keep your eyes glued to the page. It is the tale of a young university man who studys under a very eccentric proffessor. When his proffessor mysteriously dies, a short man dressed in strange atire knocks on his door and declares him the new keeper of the Imaginarium Geographica- or the book of imaginary geography. Seconds later he is chased by half wolve, half humans, sailing into the lost kingdom of Avalon, and embarking on a colossal quest to save the entire land from the grips of a dark ruler. It is the kind of book that will keep you awake reading hours past your bedtime.
Signed,Samuel the Wizard(P.S.: Never again will I be a wizard- for unlike knights, wizards have to obey grammar rules and can be critisized for bad spelling!)
Well done, indeed, Sir Samuel! Now he is Sir Samuel the Brave, the Wise, and now, well, for a moment, the Wizard. I think being a knight doth suit thee best, however. It was very noble of you to make peace with Darth Bill. A duel between you two would have been messy. I mean, if the indestructible steel of a true knight met a light saber of a sith lord, who would win? What do you think, guys?
BTW, I'm glad you talked about the Children of the Lamp. I saw that book on another site yesteday. I had never heard of it and it looked interesting. You've got me curious now. Well, now that you've apologized to our sith lord, I wonder if he has anything to say. How about it, Bill?
Monday, December 10, 2007
What was your 2007 favorite?
Here are my faves:
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (The first in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series) (reviewed on 9-22-07)
Man, this was the best book I've read in...well, I can't tell you how long because it's been so long since I enjoyed a book this much! Fast, funny, action-packed, it makes you keep turning pages and not want to stop! Percy suddenly finds that monsters from the old Greek myths are out to kill him. Not only that, they want to do away with him because he's the son of Poseidon, the Greek sea god, and a mortal woman. The only safe place is Camp Half-Blood, where other half-mortal kids live. But he's got more trouble--he finds that he's destined to be a hero and stop a war between the old Greek gods. Along the way he fights monsters on the top of the St. Louis Arch, sends a package to the 600th floor of the Empire State Building, and rescues his mom from the underworld. This is great stuff! The other 2 books in this series are The Sea of Monsters and The Titan's Curse. The fourth book, The Battle of the Labyrinth, is due to come out on May 6 and I can't wait!!!
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (reviewed 8-7-07)
This is another book that sucks you in and doesn't let go until the end. Twelve-year-old Hugo is an orphan who lives in an abandoned attic room of the Paris train station in 1931. He spends his time doing 3 things--hiding from the police, keeping the clocks in the station running, and filching small mechanical toys from an old toy seller's stand in the station in order to work on a mechanical contraption. The old man finally catches Hugo and threatens to turn him in, but Hugo manages to escape. Hugo and the old man form a relationship, yet the more Hugo finds out about the toyseller, the more mysteries he uncovers. You won't believe what he finally learns! This story is told in words and pictures and this way of telling the story works--you're reading about Hugo being chased by the police on one page and then you see pictures of Hugo running into the crowds of the Paris train station the next page. It helps the story move along. It's like reading a book and watching a movie at the same time--which, once you finish the book, you'll understand why! I really, really liked this book. I would always hurry back to my desk after doing library work so I could read some more. (PS--I read a comment somewhere from a boy who said don't be put off by how thick this book is. You won't want to stop once you start reading!)
Those are my two favorites books. My third favorite isn't a book; it's the Bone graphic novel series by Jeff Smith. Bill has been a fan for a long time and now I've become one. There are a lot of good fantasy comics out there but this one stands way above the rest. The art is nothing short of fantastic, the Bone brothers are funny, irritating, and heroic, and the books have enough danger, adventure, action, and surprises to keep any reader on the edge of the seat. So get off your seats and get them! And these other two.
OK, I can't stand it, I've got to tell you about one more: Around the World in a Hundred Years: From Henry the Navigator to Magellan by Jean Fritz. (reviewed 11-1-07)This book is proof positive that nonfiction is not boring! Do you tales of adventure? Do read want to read about epic voyages, unbelievable feats of endurance, storms at sea, deadly battles, as well as some funny stories? Then get this one. You won't be bored and you'll be amazed that all these stories are true!
Now, Bill, what were your favorites?
So, I get to pick my favorites second! Hum, I tell you it's discrimination because I am a Sith!!!!! I think Carl is a Jedi sympathiser. That doesn't make me a bad person, does it? Sure I torture the occasional rebel leader to extract important information and yes I do enjoy offing the occasional Jedi fools (oh and I almost forgot destroying the occasional planet with my own personal Death Star). But really, does that make me such a bad guy? Hum..........well maybe a little, but don't I deserve to be loved? Wait a minute, don't answer that.
Okay, some of my favorite books from the past year are as follows:
The Battle of Guadalcanal: Land and Sea Warfare in the South Pacific by Larry Hama and illustrated by Anthony Williams - This is one of the really great graphic novels in the Graphic (as in the format, not the depiction) Battles of World War II Series. I reviewed a lot of these graphic novels in our November 7, 2007 blog. This graphic novel is about the start of the United States' key offensive against the Empire of Japan to reclaim the Pacific. It is an incredible true story about the horrors of war, the bravery of the men on both sides of the battle and an important reminder of real events that occurred in recent history that should not be forgotten. I don't want to say anymore as I think it is important to read about the Battle of Guadalcanal rather than have me just tell you about it. This graphic novel and the series it comes from are all gems.
Interworld by Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves - I reviewed this book on October 18, 2007 for the blog. This is a story about 15-year-old Joey Harker who finds out that there exists a multiverse and there is a battle between the forces of science and magic to control it. The only thing standing in their way are a multitude of different versions (some very close in appearance to those who have wings and can fly) of himself from other muliverse worlds who live on a secret base known as InterWorld. If you like science fiction or magic with a good dose of non-stop excitement, this is the book for you.
Gorilla, Gorilla by Art Baltazar - This is a really funny graphic novel about two roommates Gorilla and Lizard. Gorilla also happens to be the superhero Gorilla Gorilla and Lizard just happens to be the evil Lizard Lizard. They do not know each others secret identities and as roommates are the best of friends. The stories presented in this graphic novel are extremely funny and witty. A must read for all ages. This graphic novel was reviewed by Carl in our October 5, 2007 blog (I'm sure I could have done a better job but....).
Roanoke: The Mystery of the Lost Colony by Lee Miller - This book is about the English Roanoke Island Settlement at the end of the sixteenth century. The colony mysteriously disappeared and people have speculated for years as to what happened. Mrs. Miller sheds light on to what probably happened and also gives the inside story of what was going on at this time in history and the individuals who played a part in the Settlements tragedy. This book was originally reviewed on the blog on July 30, 2007.
Well that's that. Peace out all,
Darth Bill
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Oh, Man, Wait Until Darth Bill Reads This One!
Before I choose to let the cobwebs settle, I feel like I ought to make one more comment, wot wot. Now, first off, reading the introduction thingamabob, I relized that I had not stated why I liked the book! I myself seemed quite the frogwalloper then, here here. But back to buisness: I likes the jolly old book because they are extremely descriptive, the battles are cunning and well paced, and the villian seems so alive. (Instead of just being the pure evil black-hearted thug you expect him to be)
However, I suppose I might as well review another ole story- can't have an outlandish sith beating me, wot ho? So here I go:The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme: The Floating Island. The main character in this adventure is Ven himself, a dwarfish creature known as a Nain. He is the son of a shipbuilder but truly longs for adventure. One day when testing a new boat out at sea, he is attacked by fire pirates and left out at sea to die. But through a great lucky turn of events, he starts down the road on a sort of mystery quest, most questions coming from the floating island, the home of the element of wind. This is a fairly straightforward story at first, but near the end forms itself into quite the complex puzzle. And you'll be on yer toes when you turn to that last chapter, believe me.
That's that, me old chums! And take THAT, ya bloody sith!
Signing off,
Sir Samuel the Wise
Whoa, just wait until Darth Bill reads this one! He really got in DB's face, didn't he? Well, what do you think, guys? Can you outread a sith? Or will you sith readers take this lying down? And what about the rest of you readers who are neither sith nor knights? Do you think you can outread them both? Let's hear it!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Kelly the Technowizard Comes Through!
There's me and Darth Bill looking on in amazement as Kelly works her magic. Kelly has an advanced degree from Hogwarts in Computer Magic. But, unfortunately, her other favorite class was Transformations and she just couldn't resist:
Thanks a lot, Kelly!!! It's a good thing our boss came along and made Kelly change us back. (I'll let you guess which one of us was the frog and which one was the pig)
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
A Crazy Little Post From Captain Bootstrap Bill
They should be complimented on a job well done, ole bean!! Wot, wot very good indeed. Haven't seen such an insightful review of the first Redwall book since the Great War (some time ago indeed). Bravo, Sir, Bravo indeed! Not trying to be a cheeky monkey, but did you know that a Graphic Novel version of this book has just recently come out, wot, wot? The title is Redwall: The Graphic Novel by Brian Jacques; illustrated by Bret Blevins; and adapted by Stuart Moore. I wouldn't dare say it's better than the work it is based on(Redwall by Brian Jacques published in 1986), but it is a jolly good read!
Similar, but different!!!! Kinda like dogs and cats. No that's not a good example. Hum, how about NASCAR cars and Indy cars. Yea, that works!
Also I really liked the books The WeirdDude(MHR) recommended--Chasing Vermeer, Artemis Fowl (I really love this whole series) and Science Verse (Jon Scieszka rules!!!!). If this gentleman, and I use that term loosely, is not yet a Sith, I see a bright future for him in this field of work!
Well, everyone who contributed did and outstanding job and I say keep it up. Hip, Hip Hurray!!!!!!!!
And now for something completely different!
Well, let's talk about some good books that I have read recently and maybe you would like to read also:
The Latke who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket - If the title to this book does not make you laugh, I don't know what will. Mr. Snickett has written here a wonderfully funny book about what happens when Hanukkah and Christmas collide. I will quote from the beginning of the book: "This story ends in someone's mouth, but it begins in a tiny village more or less covered in snow." Interesting sounding, isn't it? Well, in this village a Latke (a potato pancake) is made or, more to the point, is born. Because of the high temperature in the pan in which it is made/born, it starts screaming and runs out the house. As the Latke makes its way through the peaceful village and runs into Christmas objects who do not understand who or what he is or represents (Latke
is a part of Hanukkah), he gets so frustrated that he continues to scream. You really have to read this book because it literally will have you in tears with laughter. On top of all this, there is a twist ending that will also blow you away with laughter. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book. I know you will enjoy it.
Well, guys, take it easy and continue to send in those great posts. If you haven't posted yet, come on!!!! It's fun and we would love to find out what books you are reading and enjoying (plus, first time posters get a free book!).
Darth Bill
"We're Knights of the Round Table, We Blog When We Are Able..."
Three new comments, eh? Well, ye old frogwallopers, I'll make it four! Bet ye didn't see that comin', wot wot. Anyhap, might as well get on with things. Books, yes...I'd say a jolly good ole book would be Redwall, sirs. It tells the tale of a young mouse, Mathias, and his friends. The tale starts right peaceful and all, but things start to get a might bit tight when an army of rats lead by Cluny the Scourge sets upon the peaceful Abbeydwellers, and begins to lay siege to the famed Redwall. Mathias goes on a quest to retrieve the ancient sword of Martin the Warrior, guardian of Redwall, while the creatures of Redwall take up arms against the intruders. It is filled with constant action, involving massive clashes between the two sides, a desperate race against time to claim an aincient blade, and a final clash that wil remain imprinted on yer mind furever. (Get it? They're animals, and I said 'fur' ever?) It sounds like jolly good reading, wot wot!
Signing off,
Sir Samuel the Brave
Most excellently done, Sir Samuel! Come and get thy free book! Has anyone else read the Redwall books? How'd you like them?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Heeere's Matthew!
PS--you probably can't see the title, but the book's called Missing by M. Sobel Spirn.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Woooo! 3 New Comments
The good news is that we have 3, not one but three, book comments from a new friend, The WeirdDude(MHR). Here they are:
Chasing Vermeer is about 2 kids, Calder and Petra, who learn from their teacher Ms. Hussey about a stolen painting by Vermeer, called "A Lady Writing." There are a lot of coincidences about the painting. It is full of thinking (not a lot of action) and pieces of a big puzzle that don't fit together at first but eventually do. The reader gets to help solve the mystery. I liked the story a lot because it makes you use your mind. I would recommend it to anyone who loves thinking.The Wright 3 is also about a mystery of art, except this time there are 3 characters. Calder, Petra, and Tommy (Calder's best friend) are trying to save a piece of architecture from being demolished, the Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright (he is a famous American architect). The problem is that Tommy was away in the first book and does not like the relationship of Calder and Petra very much. The main clue of the story is 3. It is also a very good book and I recommend it for anyone who loves thinking.These two books are written by Blue Balliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist.
Artemis Fowl is about a 12 year old mastermind who is part of a family of millionaires who got their money by criminal activity. Artemis is following that path and has a theory that there are fairies on the Earth. He is proven right and kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the Fairy LEPrecon Unit of the Fairy Police. This is a book with a lot of action, most of it happening on the grounds of Fowl Manor where the fairies go to large measures to get Holly back. But Artemis outsmarts them--sort of (I don't want to give away the ending). This is a great book and I highly recommend it for anyone, especially if you like imagining that there are fairies (and these are tough fairies, not like the ones in bedtime stories).
Science Verse is a book of VERY funny poems based on science and written around other poems. I recommend it highly for science lovers.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The WWE RAW Program scheduled for Monday, November 26
It is with great regret that I must let everyone know that the WWE Raw Program that was scheduled for Monday, November 26 has been cancelled. Sorry about this guys, maybe in the future another cool event like this one will come up.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Turkeys, Pirates and Heroes
Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack Sparrow: The Coming Storm by Rob Kidd - This is the first in a really great series of books about a much younger Jack Sparrow and his early adventures before the "Black Pearl." In this first book, Jack begins his quest for the famed magical Sword of Cortes. To accomplish this goal he must recruit a crew to man his ship, the Barnacle, which he does very haphazardly, with his first two recruits being a young barmaid named Arabella and a wealthy adventure enthusiast named Fitzwilliam. He also unwittingly makes a very dangerous enemy in the person of the pirate Captain Torrents (a most bloodthirsty pirate by anyone's account), who also wants the Sword of Cortes, and pursues Jack and his crew--and not because he wants to be their friend! Well, I've given you the set up so give this series a chance. You won't regret it; pirate's honor!
Spider-Girl Presents The Buzz and Dark Devil by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz - This Graphic Novel presents the first three issues of these new characters to the world of the Marvel Universe. The Buzz is about the orphaned grandson, Jimmy Jameson (JJ), of a certain Spider-Man hating newspaper giant J. Jonah Jameson. When the older Jameson finances the making of a Human Fly Super suit to protect the citizens of New York City, he recruits ex-Navy Seal Buzz Bannon. Buzz and the young JJ become good friends and when Buzz get killed by some very bad people, JJ decides to take the Human Fly Suit and become the hero he saw in Buzz. He even names his new superhuman identity "The Buzz" after Bannon. Action and adventure follow as this new superhero learns what it takes to be a true hero. Darkdevil is also the story of a new young superhero named Reilly Tyne. Darkdevil is given powers by the demon Zarathos who hopes to inhabit the boy's body for his own evil purposes. Fortunately for Reilly, Daredevil and reformed enforcer Kaine step in the picture to save the boy. They do defeat Zarthos and force him out of the boys body but at the price of Daredevils life. Reilly decides to take up Daredevil's role as a superhero, with the new found powers gained from Zarthos, and under the tutelage of Kaine begins his path to becoming a true hero.
Well, that's all for me guys. Until next time, take it easy,


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A new event, in addition to a traditional winter festival, will bring Olympic-caliber athletes to Webster.
On his daily drive to work, Robert Verrone always passes by North Ponds Park in Webster. In the winter months he often eyes the frozen ponds and wonders why no one can skate there.
Drainage issues prevent anyone from skating on the ponds. However, with the proximity of Webster to Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay, there were other nearby venues that would fulfill the Webster resident's vision of a new type of skating rink.
Now that idea has blossomed into the Rochester area's own international speed skating marathon event called "Skate the Bay."
It's something Verrone has been thinking about for the last couple of years. Why? Because his wife, Karen, is an avid speed skater, and after tagging along with her for so many events, he thought Webster would be a great place for one.
The town of Webster has jumped on board with the event by moving up the date of its annual Community Winter Celebration — a winter carnival — to coincide with the skating marathon.
The makeshift outdoor rink will be the size of two and a half football fields. The track will be smoothed and resurfaced to make it similar to an indoor rink.
Verrone is anticipating that 600 to 700 people will flock to Webster for the two-day event, running from Saturday, Feb. 9 through the next day. He has been a long-time follower of speed skating marathons and says they usually draw a crowd of that size.
One of the participants will be Olympic speed skating champion Cathy Turner of Hilton, who grew up skating on the bay. One of the most highly decorated Winter Olympians in U.S. history, she won gold medals in short-track speed skating at the 1992 and 1994 Olympics.
Since all the skaters certainly won't be up to Turner's ability, there will be 1- and 5-kilometer races for local residents or beginners who want to give speed skating a try. Professional skaters will compete in 10-, 25- and 50-kilometer races.
With the support of local corporate sponsors, all profits from the racing event will be donated to the Rochester chapter of Gliding Stars, a not-for-profit group based in Amherst, Erie County, that teaches disabled children and adults how to skate.
Gliding Stars members often practice on Sundays at the Webster Ice Arena on Publishers Parkway.
Both Verrone and town officials hope "Skate the Bay" will become an annual event with the winter carnival.
"I wasn't sure how many people in town speed skate, but lots of people love the indoor ice rink and to have an outdoor rink and get people outside in the middle of winter is a great opportunity," said Mark Yeager, director of the town of Webster Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information about "Skate the Bay," visit www.skatethebay.org. For more information about the winter carnival, visit www.websterparksandrecreation.org.
Contact Tori Uthe at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 218, or at email@example.com.
Community Winter Celebration
The annual winter carnival put on by the town of Webster Parks and Recreation Department will be held in conjunction with the new "Skate the Bay" event in February.
When: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Gosnell Big Woods, 680 Vosburg Road, Webster
Who: Town of Webster Parks and Recreation Department and Rochester Speed Skating Team
What: The following events will be offered as part of the carnival:
• Snowshoeing
• Cross country skiing
• Sledding
• Snowmobile safety
• Rock climbing wall
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides (pre-registration required; visit parks and recreation Web site)
• Outdoor games
• Food
• Dog sledding demonstrations
"Skate the Bay" schedule
When: Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10
Where: Sandbar Park, 279 Lake Road, Webster
Who: Skate the Bay newly formed committee
What: The following is a schedule of races and open skates at the new event:
Saturday, Feb. 9
• 7 a.m. — Registration opens
• 8:45 a.m. — National anthem
• 9 a.m. — 50-kilometer marathon begins
• Noon — 1-kilometer community race begins
• 1:15 p.m. — 5-kilometer community race begins
• 2:45 p.m. — Awards ceremony for community races
• 3-4:30 p.m. — Open skate
• 6-9 p.m. — Banquet and awards ceremony for 50-kilometer race at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 860 Holt Road, Webster.
Sunday, Feb. 10
• 8-9:30 a.m. — Ice preparation
• 9:45 a.m. — 10-kilometer marathon race begins
• 11:15 a.m. — 25-kilometer marathon begins
• 1:30 p.m. — Awards ceremony for 10- and 25-kilometer races
• 2-5 p.m. — Open skate

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Download Allen Ginsberg Study Guide
(Masterpieces of American Literature)
Irwin Allen Ginsberg was born in Newark, New Jersey, the second son of Louis Ginsberg, a lyric poet and teacher, and Naomi Levy Ginsberg, a teacher and political activist. His family moved to Paterson, New Jersey, in 1929, the year his mother was hospitalized for mental stress for the first time, and Ginsberg attended primary school in Paterson. He published two pieces in the Easter issue of the Central High School magazine, The Spectator, his first public work, in 1941.
When he transferred to Eastside High School, he became president of both the Debating Society and the Dramatic Society before he graduated in 1943. He entered Columbia University as a pre-law student, hoping to pursue a career in labor law, and he studied with Lionel Trilling and Mark Mark Van Doren, who were partially responsible for shifting his focus toward literature. His schoolmates at Columbia included Jack Kerouac, and he met William S. Burroughs in New York City during his first year there. With Kerouac and Burroughs, among others, Ginsberg formulated a philosophical discourse which they called "The New Vision," a precursor of the Beat generation precepts he exemplified in his later work.
At Columbia, he edited a humor magazine called The Jester, was on the debate team, and helped run the literary society. In 1945, he was suspended from Columbia for permitting Kerouac to stay in his room overnight, and he worked temporarily as a welder, dishwasher, assistant at the Gotham Book Mart, and apprentice seaman in the merchant marine. He was readmitted in 1946 and became assistant editor of the Columbia Review, in which he published poems, stories, and book reviews. Ginsberg spent the summer of 1947 traveling to Colorado to visit Neal Cassady, the model for Kerouac's Dean Moriarty character in On the Road (1957), and he graduated with a B.A. from Columbia in 1948. Later in that year, he had a vision of the English Romantic poet William Blake speaking to him directly—partially a product of Ginsberg's fairly extensive experimentation with hallucinogenic substances, partially an expression of his intense literary and philosophical considerations of the nature of the cosmos.
Although he had no intention to break the law, Ginsberg became involved in several quasi-criminal activities as a part of an underground (or as Kerouac called it, "subterranean") existence, and, following the counsel of several teachers at Columbia, he committed himself to an eight-month stay in Columbia Presbyterian Psychiatric Institute as a means of avoiding prosecution. During his stay he met Carl Solomon, the man to whom "Howl" (1956) is addressed, recognizing immediately a fellow enthusiast for avant-garde art and an unconventional life pattern.
After moving in with his father and stepmother in 1950, he sent a letter and some poems to William Carlos Williams, who was living nearby in Rutherford, New Jersey. Williams provided guidance and encouragement, and while Ginsberg traveled to Mexico and Europe during the early 1950's, he continued to work on his poetry. In 1953, he moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which was to become his home ground for the following five decades, and worked as a copyboy at the New York World-Telegram. He spent much of 1954 living in Mexico and then San Francisco, where he worked briefly as a market researcher and met Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the poet and publisher of City Lights Books, which would issue Ginsberg's poetry for the following quarter century. In 1955, Ginsberg moved to Berkeley, California, where he wrote his tribute to Walt Whitman, "A Supermarket in California " (1956), and organized the now-legendary landmark reading of October 13 at the Six Gallery, where he joined Gary Snyder, Philip Lamantia, Michael McClure, and Philip Whalen to read "Howl" in public for the first time. There, also, he was introduced to Peter Orlovsky, who became a close friend and sometime lover, a relationship that endured, while becoming...
(The entire section is 1,887 words.)


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11 Nov 2015 by Tim Street
Reduction in size of New Zealand electricity products traded on ASX
New Zealand electricity products being traded on the ASX are looking a little different from usual. The futures and options contracts, often called derivatives, are now being traded in a 0.1 MW sized contract, instead of the traditional 1 MW contract.
This small change could be game-changing for small retailers who want better tools to effectively manage their risk.
Futures contracts can be used by retailers to manage the risk of buying electricity at spot market prices and selling electricity at fixed prices to their customers. The fluctuation in spot prices compared to fixed prices for customers makes selling electricity a risky business for small but growing businesses. As a retailer, you would need approximately 1,000 residential customers to have sufficient capital to be able to purchase a 1 MW futures contract. By reducing the futures contract size to 0.1 MW, your customer base only needs to be approximately 100 residential customers. The reduction in contract size allows retailers to procure risk management at a level that more closely matches the growth in their residential customer base.
The reason we are feeling positive about the change to the contract size is that a greater range of businesses will find the ASX market an attractive place to buy their electricity futures contracts. As well as small electricity retailers, the change in contract size could also encourage industrial consumers, commercial parties and even financial intermediaries to participate more actively in the futures market.
The pricing of futures contracts are based on the daily settlement of each contract, so the more futures contracts that are traded by different parties, the more confident the market will be in the forward price curve.
By providing small retailers and other businesses realistic access to smaller contracts to trade in electricity products on the ASX, they now have more opportunity to grow their businesses and further enhance retail competition for consumers within the New Zealand electricity market.
This project supports our wider strategy of work to reduce barriers and facilitate the entry, expansion and exit of parties in the electricity market.
As the open interest in the exchange traded products on the ASX is currently over 4,000 GWh, we'll also be watching to see how liquidity and trade volumes are impacted by the change in contract size.
Figure 1. Open interest in exchange traded electricity products
17 Aug 2018 by John Rampton
Participation of battery storage units in the wholesale market
The Authority has a project underway focused on the Participation of new generating technologies in the wholesale market. It will investigate and address any barriers in the Code (the electricity rulebook) to the efficient operation of new generating technologies, like batteries, in the wholesale electricity market for energy and ancillary services.
The Authority has also considered a specific proposal by Mercury for the integration of the first battery directly connected to the high voltage national transmission grid. The Authority was satisfied that there were no barriers in the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (Code) that prevented Mercury from implementing its proposal.
Storing electricity directly from the national grid in a battery is a first for New Zealand. The electricity stored in the battery will then be traded on both the wholesale energy and instantaneous reserve markets.
The benefits of any future batteries could also be achieved by connecting to a local network rather than the national grid.
Electricity Authority Senior Advisor Wholesale Markets Mike Collis says, "We are striving to develop regulatory systems able to be flexible and innovate quickly to ensure consumers' benefit from the efficient operation of new storage technologies in the wholesale market.
Source: Mercury
"The Authority encourages Transpower and distributors to adopt approaches that allow those providing innovative services from devices such as batteries, to access their networks on a non-discriminatory basis."
In the future, consumers will have greater opportunities and choices to enjoy the benefits of the new technologies becoming available.
Removing barriers to different forms of generating technologies in the wholesale market will improve supply side competition, contribute to reliability and potentially improve the operational efficiency of the electricity industry.
Mr Collis says, "The Electricity Authority wants to see households, and commercial and industrial consumers, enjoy the benefits of greater choice.
"The battery will also have benefits for the consumer by helping meeting peak demand, and will complement New Zealand's existing storage in hydro lakes as well as enhancing security of supply to Auckland."
The battery, at Southdown in Auckland, provides an opportunity to research the integration of battery technology into New Zealand's electricity system.
The battery is modular and fully scalable. The Southdown site and grid connection has the capability to ultimately deliver 100+ MW of battery-stored power into the national grid, supporting national security of supply.
Mercury will be holding a battery launch event at Southdown on Wednesday, 22 August and the Minister of Energy and Resources, Hon Dr Megan Woods has confirmed her attendance along with key electricity industry participants.
7 Aug 2018 by Authority Communications
Our People Series - Chris Otton
Designing and operating New Zealand's electricity system takes great people. In this edition of Our People, we shine a light on Chris Otton from the Wholesale Team.
The Authority has turned out to be an ideal place for Chris to put his background in applied physics, love of problem solving and strong interest in the wholesale electricity market into action.
As an adviser in the Wholesale Markets Team, Chris provides expert advice and analysis on developing the wholesale market including the primary spot market, the secondary hedge market and ancillary service markets.
When he's not busy providing subject matter expertise on the Extended reserve implementation project he uses his wide industry experience to support other advisers on their projects. He enjoys helping out and providing input to the Authority's wider work programme where needed.
Chris was drawn to the role at the Authority because he wanted to get back into the area of wholesale markets, after working in other areas of the electricity sector.
Chris started his career in the NZ electricity sector as a market services analyst at the system operator (Transpower). The main focus of his role was managing and monitoring ancillary services provision and developing system operator's data storage and reporting capabilities.
Before joining the Authority in August 2017, Chris worked for Contact Energy, first as a spot trader and then in business performance. In the spot trader role he focused on the week ahead trading strategy—looking at plant and fuel availability, market conditions and financial priorities, and then set a broad strategy for the real time traders to implement.
Chris Otton says, "I enjoyed the detail involved in working in the spot market. It was a real problem solving role with many moving parts."
But a career highlight for Chris came while working for the system operator during the commissioning of HVDC pole 3 in 2013. During this time, he managed the Market Contracting Team.
Mr Otton says, "The commissioning period was a dynamic time—trying to figure out what we needed from the participants to achieve the testing conditions for the engineers, while trying to make sure we could achieve it at a reasonable cost.
"I really enjoyed working to tight deadlines, leading a team of very engaged and professional people."
Lucky for Chris, he is also surrounded by talented and engaged people at the Authority who like himself are keenly interested in what they do to develop the electricity sector.
Mr Otton says, "Moving into a regulatory environment has been a big change for me but I've found everyone at the Authority to be very supportive and more than willing to share their experience. It's great to be working with such a passionate and knowledgeable group."
24 Jul 2018 by Androula Dometakis
Our 2018/19 Work Programme and strategy documents
We have recently published our 2018/19 Work Programme along with the Statement of Performance Expectations (SPE) on our website. The Authority's work programme details the major strategic projects we intend to progress during the 2018/19 financial year.
To remain responsive to changes in our operating environment, we review the focus of our work programme each year.
The work programme makes a significant contribution to achieving our strategic objectives, as set out within the 2017-21 Statement of Intent. We then set out in the SPE how our work for the coming year is expected to contribute to achieving our strategic objectives.
After taking on-board stakeholder feedback, we are more focused on delivering our priority projects faster, so consumers can benefit sooner. We are confident that by doing fewer projects each year we will achieve more overall.
A key component of our strategy is the removal of inefficient barriers for companies wishing to use new technologies or business models to offer new products and services to residential and commercial consumers.
Two of our priority projects are focused on addressing inefficient barriers: The Equal Access project is focused on addressing inefficient barriers to the 'poles and wires' that electricity networks use to transport electricity. The Multiple Trading Relationships project is focussed on inefficient barriers to consumer's ability to establish relationships with more than one electricity services provider.
Our work to improve price signals represents another key component of our strategy. When parties can see the real distribution and transmission costs of their decisions, they are more likely to adopt the most appropriate technologies for their circumstances. We want improved price signals so that consumers and participants can make more efficient operational and investment decisions.
To find out more about our work programme and our priority projects go to the 'About us' section of our website.
We value our stakeholders' feedback. Don't hesitate to get in contact to find out more about our work.
The outcomes we seek
12 Jul 2018 by Rory Blundell
New Electricity Education Portal a first for the energy sector in New Zealand
A new online Electricity Education Portal tool was launched in June, to help new and existing electricity market participants find key information more easily. It also helps participants interact with each other, the regulator and the market.
The portal shows the relationships between hundreds of different topics and knowledge areas within the industry's guidelines. It's aimed at anyone with a desire to understand how the electricity system works.
As part of his role as Principal Advisor Market Services, Ron Beatty, works with new entrants to the electricity sector.
"A couple of years ago we had been considering ways of better presenting information and we were shown some new visualisation software," says Mr Beatty.
"It was immediately apparent to me that we could enhance the guidelines with this type of software. It fixed a lot of issues we knew we had with presenting information to participants in an integrated manner."
Data visualisation software has been applied to electricity sector guidelines to present information in an easily accessible format. Users who are looking for more in-depth information can follow links to find as much detail as they need.
The tool focuses on the relationships between hundreds of different topics and knowledge areas within the guidelines. It is like a three dimensional neural network.
Mr Beatty says, "There is so much development going on worldwide in technology that is being applied in the electricity industry. There is a lot to keep up with. With over four decades' experience, I am still learning.
"It's very important that participants like retailers and generators, networks and metering equipment providers, understand the role they play within the market.
"If, for example, you are retailer new to the sector, you can search on a specific topic, or you can follow the Use Cases as a learning scenario, to find out about the framework that you must operate within (Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010), and what your obligations are to the electricity market."
The Code talks about obligations and outcomes, but doesn't show participants the linkages that they need to understand to make their obligations work. The Portal saves time for anyone wanting to find our guidelines by putting the information they need at their fingertips.
Whiteboard Energy and the Authority have worked collaboratively to produce this portal which can be viewed here. This information will continue to be developed going forward. What you see now is the starting point.
To assist you to use the portal we have developed a user guide and video.
20 Jun 2018 by Matthew Keir
Snapshot of the retail electricity market
We have released a new interactive tool to highlight key changes in the retail electricity market. Users can interact with information in the Retail market snapshot and see how the market has evolved over time.
The new interactive Retail market snapshot tool uses Tableau software to summarise key information on switching, market size and share, market concentration, consumer choice, smart meter deployment and solar generation. Users can engage and interact with the information and easily see year-on-year comparisons.
The tool is directly linked to the Electricity Market Information (EMI) website for anyone who wants to drill into the information in more depth.
2017 highlights
New Zealanders continue to enjoy a highly competitive retail electricity market. In 2017 we saw small and medium retailer growth, a continuing uptake of new technology and the highest rate of switching on record.
Consumer choice at new high
At the end of 2017, residential electricity consumers had a choice of between 12 and 35 retail brands depending on where they live. This is a new high. Having new brands and options come into the market pushing existing retailers to create new and innovative offerings is an indicator of healthy competition. Consumers are responding to the choice by switching electricity providers at record rates. 2017 had the highest rate of switching on record with 439,720 consumers switching. Otago was the region with the highest switching rate. In total, 23.4 per cent of Otago consumer connections switched retailers in 2017.
Small and medium retailers continue to grow
The growth of small and medium-sized retailers continued in 2017 with new entrants entering the market and competing for customers. In 2017 small and medium retailers supplied 11.1 per cent of consumer connections, up 1.7 per cent from 9.4 per cent in 2016. Electric Kiwi increased the number of connections they supply the most in 2017, gaining an additional 12,239 customers across New Zealand.
Smart meter deployment continues
Installations with smart meters continued to increase in 2017. At the end of 2017, 81.1 per cent of residential consumer connections had a smart meter, 4.4 per cent more than in 2016. Smart metering technology lowers the cost of collecting meter readings and provides access to more detailed information on consumption. More importantly, smart meters allow retailers to design more innovative and tailored offerings to consumers.
Users looking for more in-depth insights can hover over each section in the tool and follow the link to the corresponding EMI report. The EMI website allows users to customise content and visualise New Zealand electricity market information in dashboards and reports as charts, maps and tables. Users can also create their own dashboards allowing them to capture content that they want to return to keeping it in one easy-to-access place.
20 Jun 2018 by John Rampton
The electricity sector is on the cusp of transformation
Electricity Authority's Manager Retail and Network Markets Craig Evans, outlines the exciting and ever changing environment of the electricity sector and the work the Authority is undertaking to reduce barriers to participation.
The changes are underway now, and in the future consumers will have greater opportunities and choices. Electric vehicles, energy management systems, solar panels and batteries are giving consumers more choice about how they use electricity and where they get it from.
Mr Evans says, "We think the New Zealand electricity sector is well placed for consumers to enjoy the benefits of the new technologies becoming available."
The Electricity Authority wants to see households, and commercial and industrial consumers, enjoy the benefits of greater choice.
Consumers' and suppliers' ability to participate depends on their ability to get access to services.
Adjusting to New Zealand's electricity future involves three factors that need to be considered to promote increased participation:
- the physical platform, for example the poles and wires used to transport and distribute electricity across the country,
- the market system – how electricity is bought and sold, and
- suppliers of services, for example P2Power which matches people with local generation (eg solar) selling to their neighbours.
Facilitating innovation and participation is a key focus of the Electricity Authority's work along with reducing barriers to the entry, expansion, and exit, of parties in electricity markets. Craig Evans' role within the Market Design team is to progress a number of projects in these areas.
"We have several projects looking at barriers to accessing services, such as the Equal Access and Default distributor agreement projects. A particular focus is the relationship between distributors and parties using the distribution network, because most of the changes to the sector are occurring at the consumer and distribution level," says Mr Evans.
Craig Evans' team are looking at data flows – "there's a lot of data behind the scenes in New Zealand's electricity system. We want to see that data is exchanged between participants across the supply chain." The Multiple Trading Relationships project is examining concerns related to possible barriers to parties providing services to consumers, such as obtaining data.
They are also investigating pricing – "this is about the prices of the bundle of services needed to get electricity to the consumer better reflecting the cost of supplying each service," says Mr Evans.
"Our Distribution Pricing project is about encouraging distributors to adopt prices that provide parties using the distribution network with the best possible information about the value and cost of using the network at a particular time and place."
The Electricity Authority, with the Commerce Commission, are working hard to find and reduce unnecessary barriers to more participation and to consumers enjoying the long-term benefits of the changes occurring around us now.
The Authority's work feeds into making recommendations for regulatory change.
19 Jun 2018 by Rory Blundell
2017 Winter Review report
We have recently released a report on how the market performed during the winter. The report highlights important events and trends during the 2017 year, and summarises the work we do in monitoring the performance of the market.
The 2017 Winter Report tells a story of how the electricity market performed during the winter of 2017.
Hydro storage was well-managed. Leading into winter, there was extremely low rainfall around the South Island hydro lakes. This limited the amount of water available for generators heading into winter when electricity demand increases. Pleasingly, the electricity supply was well managed, as a result of the regulatory and market mechanisms introduced since 2010 to improve security of supply.
Over 50 per cent of New Zealand's electricity is generated from large hydro-electric stations in the South Island. If there is low rainfall it means the lakes that provide the water for this generation can suffer from low storage levels.
The Authority developed and now monitors a range of regulatory measures to help effectively manage the risk caused by dry years.
We are pleased the dry winter conditions were handled with no noticeable impacts and no disruption to consumers.
The greatest contribution to effective management of dry winters has come from the range of measures introduced, in particular the clear rules about when any official conservation campaign would be run and a stress testing regime which ensures major retailers and users of electricity are aware of the risks they face.
In an extremely severe event, a public conservation campaign may be needed. This means all consumers will be asked to use less electricity. If this happens, electricity retailers must pay compensation to their customers. The rate for this compensation is currently set at $10.50 per week, per customer. By conserving water early the electricity system has more options to get through the winter and there is a lower likelihood of a public conservation campaign.
Our stress testing regime requires participants buying electricity from the wholesale electricity market to apply a set of standard stress tests to their market position, and report the results to their board and to an independent registrar appointed by the Authority.
In the electricity futures market, the difference between the best offer to sell at and the best bid to buy widened over the winter. This widening can reduce the ease with which parties can manage the risks they face and maintain confidence in the reliability of the prices in the electricity futures.
The Authority will be looking at whether further measures are needed to strengthen the electricity futures market.
Around 10 per cent of residential consumers on spot contracts switched to fixed price variable volume contracts—the most common sort of retail contract—during the winter. The Authority will continue its work to ensure spot price retailers ensure their customers are well informed about risk.
31 May 2018 by Authority Communications
Our People Series - Ross Hill
In this edition of Our People, we shine a light on Ross from our Senior Leadership Team.
This month we sat down with Ross Hill, General Manager (GM) Legal and Compliance to discuss his role at the Authority and the challenges that come with working in a constantly evolving industry.
Ross's career in electricity began back with the Electricity Commission as the embedded lawyer for what was then the Transmission team. Shortly before the Authority was established in 2010, Ross stepped in as Acting General Counsel before moving into his current role in February 2011.
Ross now leads the Authority's legal and compliance group, which has two teams: The in-house legal team provides legal advice and support across the organisation. The compliance team carries out the Authority's statutory function of monitoring, investigating and enforcing compliance with the Code. As a GM, Ross is also on the Authority's Senior Leadership team assisting with major decision making and championing the organisation's mission, vision and values.
He entered the world of electricity with a law degree and considerable experience in other compliance jurisdictions. Although he had no background in the electricity industry he was drawn to the Authority by an interest in electricity, brought on by friends already working in the industry, and a desire for a big challenge.
He finds the biggest challenge now is that the easier stuff has been done. "It seems like we've been talking about evolving technology and innovation for a while, but now it is really starting to happen," he says. "The work is becoming more complicated as the industry changes."
Ross says that as the industry evolves it is important that the Code is as accessible, readable, and understandable as is possible. This is a challenge considering the Code's content and the existing level of prescription. "We don't want the rule book to be perceived to be, for example, a barrier to entry into the market." he says.
Alongside the challenges, Ross's role comes with many rewards. He says the best work the legal and compliance team do is to help people. Ross commends the experts in his team who are on the phones with participants helping them with issues so they don't breach the Code.
"It would be interesting to know the statistics of the compliance cases we never see because we have helped participants with their compliance in the first place," he says. "As a manager and leader it's rewarding to see people doing well and I've been some assistance in enabling them to do so."
Recently Ross and his team were involved in a Regulations Review Committee hearing, which involved a complaint about a change in the Code. The case involved months of preparation and lots of work ahead of the hearing including detailed submissions. The hearing itself only lasted a few hours but the hard work paid off when the Committee found the grounds for the complaint were not made out. Ross says this was a very pleasing result that endorsed the robustness of the Authority's processes.
28 May 2018 by Tim Sparks
Renewables, energy efficiency and storage on the agenda at WFER
Earlier this year I attended the World Forum of Energy Regulators (WFER) in Cancun, Mexico. Held every three years, the forum is an opportunity for the Authority to keep up with developments in international energy regulation and meet with key regulators from across the globe.
Over the course of the 4-day event I listened to some of the most relevant voices in the global energy industry talk about "Regulating in a Time of Innovation" – the main theme of this year's forum.
The energy sector is evolving rapidly and as Michael Liebreich from Bloomberg New Energy Finance said, "By 2040 one third of the world's energy will be wind and solar, one third of vehicles worldwide will be EVs and the economy will be one third more energy-productive".
As innovation and technology developments are rolled out, it is important we swiftly and efficiently adapt. And as the sector evolves we need to adjust the way we regulate it.
New Zealand is taking a clear lead in the global trend towards more renewable generation and we are in a strong position to manage increased levels of intermittent generation such as wind and solar. It was interesting to hear how other countries are dealing with the unpredictability of intermittent renewables that only produce energy when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.
In countries like Denmark and Germany the variance in renewables can be managed and the reliability of the system can even outperform countries with a far smaller proportion of renewables, like the US. One way that variance in renewables can be managed is by backing up with a portfolio of other resources such as high-storage air-conditioning and smart-charging EVs.
There was widespread discussion on the importance of energy efficiency and why it should be front of mind for regulators. As Amory Lovins from the Rocky Mountain Institute said, "Energy efficiency and demand response will out-compete other sources of supply if allowed to compete fairly and realise their true value". According to Lovins, regulation needs to be neutral to allow this to happen and avoid rewarding the wrong things, such as capital investment in networks.
A presentation from John Pierce, Chairman of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) covered the regulatory challenges surrounding energy storage. While the big companies like Tesla say regulators should set a mandated target for battery storage, there could be unintended negative consequences down the track. Amory Lovins said there are lots of ways to get flexibility and due to the expensive nature of bulk storage it may not be the best option. It might be more cost-effective to use more energy efficient buildings instead of building more batteries.
Key energy industry players, high-level policymakers, academics and regulators from all over the world were at this year's forum. I had useful conversations with our close neighbours at the Australian regulatory institutions. It was valuable to compare approaches to emerging technologies and share experiences of communicating with stakeholders.
28 Mar 2018 by Authority Communications
Our People Series - Sarah Hughson
Designing and operating New Zealand's electricity system takes great people. In this series, we shine a light on a selection of our staff members.
While the new role is light years removed from work Sarah has done previously, it still aligns closely with the work values she has held since leaving school.
Sarah says she chose to work at the Authority, joining in 2015 as a Market Operations Coordinator, because she could see people here were keenly interested in what they do but managed to have a bit of fun at the same time.
Her role within the half-a-dozen-strong Market Operations team is to provide a gateway between the operational arm of the Authority and the industry (participants and market operations service providers like NZX and Transpower), helping parties on both sides meet their requirements under the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010 (the Code).
Sarah fields consumer-related questions and enquiries about industry-related processes, referring them on to others to resolve when they reach the boundaries of her knowledge. However, those boundaries are being pushed out all the time. Since taking up the role last year, she feels she's rapidly becoming a "jack of all trades" and building a deep understanding of how the electricity sector works.
The Authority has turned out to be an ideal place for a motivated woman with an appetite for knowledge and experience. Sarah left school early without a clear idea of what she wanted to do and pursued an assortment of jobs − tutoring in photography, working as a clown, labouring on a building site, retailing in pharmacies before moving into an office environment.
During a stint in the UK, she worked for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, managing facilities staff in its Milton Keynes office from her base in the London headquarters. Returning to New Zealand, she took up a succession of short-term roles before finding her way to MSD working as the Executive Assistant to the General Manager Integrity Services for a year and then to the Authority.
Out of work hours, Sarah travels whenever she gets the chance. Her interest in finding out how things work behind the scenes has led to some wonderful experiences, including the chance to see places like Manapouri when travelling for work.
"I'm in a job where there is always something new to learn about and new connections to be made," she says. She's also having to change the way she thinks. "Most of my earlier jobs were task related; now I'm having to think about things differently, and it's stretching me in different ways."
Most of all, Sarah enjoys the variety of work at the Authority. "You never know what's going to land in the inbox each day," she says. "I'm not sure you could ever stop learning."
27 Mar 2018 by Rory Blundell
Inflows boost hydro storage
The level of water in New Zealand's hydro lakes has risen rapidly to above average for this time of year – a clear indication that the security of electricity supply can quickly change.
At the start of the year, the 'controlled storage' available for use in New Zealand's hydro lakes was sitting at about 2,240 gigawatt hours (GWh) − about 17 per cent below the mean storage level for that time of year.
We know the situation can change rapidly and, sure enough, rain in the hydro lake catchments has pushed storage in the country's hydro lakes above the mean for this time of year. Controlled storage increased by around 850 GWh in February – enough to power an additional 100,000 homes over the course of a year. And in mid-March, lake levels hit a five-year high for that time of year.
Of course, things can easily change again in the reverse direction. As we saw at this time last year, storage was high but steadily decreased over April, May and June, moving us into a 'dry winter' situation. Aside from consumers on spot price contracts or living near the hydro lakes, it is likely most people weren't aware of the situation. That's because we have a comprehensive set of arrangements to ensure the lights can stay on even when supply looks tight.
Spot prices increase to conserve hydro
A feature of our wholesale market is that electricity generators can calculate the price at which they can economically generate, and they start up their generators when the market price is high enough. When the controlled storage in hydro lakes is lower than average, those hydro generators are likely to increase their prices – put simply, because there is less 'fuel' it becomes more valuable. Other generators such as thermal generators, which have a higher cost of operation, watch the prices. If the prices offered to the market reach a point that would cover their costs of operation, the thermal generators are likely to start up. This may result in temporary increases to the spot price of electricity, as we saw in 2017.
Hydro risk curve showing controlled storage to 19 March 2018
Customer compensation
New Zealand also has a unique arrangement to discourage electricity retailers from seeking a public conservation campaign unless it is absolutely necessary. Before 2011, retailers had the incentive to lobby for a national conservation campaign to be launched so they would be less exposed to high spot prices. This happened in 2001, 2003 and 2008.
To prevent these campaigns from happening unnecessarily the Authority set up the Customer Compensation Scheme, with two key features:
- The scheme stipulates that an official conservation campaign should occur only when the hydro lakes have a 10 per cent risk of running out of controlled hydro shortage. (Storage fell to its lowest level last year since the scheme was introduced, with a 2 per cent risk of running out of controlled shortage.)
- If an official campaign is launched, customers are compensated for their conservation efforts. Retailers have to pay their customers $10.50 for every week of the campaign, which could cost some retailers almost $5 million per week. The requirement for compensation provides a good incentive for retailers to manage spot price risk through measures such as financial or physical hedges.
The Authority is currently reviewing two aspects of the Customer Compensation Scheme. We're asking for feedback on whether a retailer should be required to compensate a customer for the full conservation campaign period, even if the customer switches to another provider during that time.
We're also considering whether we need to review the minimum weekly amount paid to customers more or less frequently. Currently the amount is reviewed every three years, but we're keen to hear industry views on whether this timeframe should be changed.
The consultation on these two aspects of the Customer Compensation Scheme is open until 10 April.
26 Mar 2018 by Carl Hansen
Adjusting to NZ's changing electricity future
There are challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand as it looks towards a fully renewable electricity future.
Renewable generation of electricity reached 85 per cent in New Zealand in 2016. It's a statistic that puts the country among the leaders in the OECD for renewable generation; others, including the United Kingdom, Australia and United States have so far failed to pass the 25 per cent renewables mark.
The target of reaching 100 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2035 (in years when rainfall and inflows into our hydro lakes is considered normal) is supported by the country's flexible and resilient electricity system.
We've outlined the current state of play and why we're well placed to deliver the target in a document published on 13 March 2018. The document, "Adjusting to New Zealand's electricity future", also discusses factors that need to be considered to ensure increased renewable generation supports good outcomes for consumers.
The country is already well on the renewable energy path; in 1997, renewable generation accounted for only about 65 per cent of total generation. While high internationally, the increase since then to around 85 per cent demonstrates how far New Zealand has come.
The electricity system has been able to accommodate increased renewable generation largely thanks to its flexibility. Most renewable generation is intermittent by nature, meaning there needs to be careful consideration of how to ensure the supply of electricity to end consumers remains secure. However, New Zealand has plenty of backup options for when weather conditions prevent renewable sources from fully meeting demand, enabling the continued growth of renewable generation..
Generators are actively responding to customers' demand for clean, green electricity, and the costs of renewable generation and renewable technologies are increasingly favourable for consumers. The Emissions Trading Scheme also offers further incentive to switch to lower-emission generation, with the expected future costs of emissions an important factor in investment decisions.
But, as we outline in the document, challenges and opportunities remain. For example, there are potential downstream effects from new technology. Technologies giving consumers greater control over their own levels of reliability and security of electricity supply are changing expectations about the overall costs and who should pay.
It's also possible that the costs of having reserves of renewable generation, needed only rarely to meet times of increased demand, may be high.
The document concludes that for New Zealand to avoid the use of fossil-fuelled backup generation while retaining high reliability standards and current cost levels, it will need to rely on innovations in technology and demand management. It will also be vital to ensure the uptake of renewables isn't thwarted by unnecessary barriers. The Authority's current work programme and strategies consider all of these issues. We look forward to continued discussion about our current projects and New Zealand's renewable future.
Read the "Adjusting to New Zealand's Electricity Future" document on our publications page.
21 Feb 2018 by Carl Hansen
Authority tracking well on work programme
The Authority is progressing well on its comprehensive work programme, with significant work being done to reduce barriers to innovation.
We're now more than halfway through the current financial year, which provides a good milestone to reflect on our progress so far.
The Electricity Authority publishes its annual work programme every July. We regularly review progress against project milestones and I'm pleased to say we are tracking extremely well against the targets set.
The work programme covers projects across five different "streams":
- Evolving technologies and business models
- Consumer choice and competition
- Pricing and cost allocation
- Risk and risk management
- Operational efficiencies
One of the biggest projects we're progressing this year is determining whether to publish final prices for the spot market in real-time, what we call "real-time pricing". Currently spot prices published in real-time are indicative only. The pricing manager publishes final prices for any given day at least two days after real-time. Our consultation in September last year received 18 submissions, with widespread support for the project. We're pleased this project is tracking well against the targets we set for 2017/18.
We're also tracking well on two projects focused on enabling innovation and more participation in the sector: multiple trading relationships and data and data exchange. The multiple trading relationships project is looking at reducing barriers to consumers having more than one electricity service provider serve them at the same time. For example, at the moment consumers can only have a trading relationship with one retailer. If they have invested in their own generation, such as rooftop solar generation, then can only sell that energy to their retailer. Hence, we're looking at the feasibility, and the costs and benefits, of making it easy for consumers to trade with more than one retailer at the same time.
Meanwhile, the data and data exchange project is looking at whether the existing data system supports new innovations. Both of these projects have been out for consultation this financial year and we're looking forward to making decisions on the next steps in these projects.
We did have a setback with one of our other big projects last year – the Transmission Pricing Review. We were disappointed to have to take longer to complete it but we are making good progress on it now after having brought the new Board members up to speed on all aspects of this significant project. We expect to provide stakeholders with an update by the end of the financial year.
14 Dec 2017 by Tim Street
Hedge market breaks records
The total value at risk on the ASX NZ futures and options market has reached record levels. At the end of November, 'open interest' in ASX contracts reached a peak of around 5,750 GWh, which equates to approximately 65 per cent of the total volume of the physical electricity market, up from around 4,500 GWh in November 2015. This is good news, however more needs to be done to further lift the performance of this market and improve other performance metrics, such as trading volumes.
New Zealand's wholesale electricity market is made up of three different markets:
The spot market is where electricity is bought and sold every half hour at around 240 points across the country. Market participants vary the price and volume at which they offer electricity to reflect changing supply and demand conditions. Rapidly changing conditions can make spot prices very volatile.
The ancillary services market is where services are procured that ensure the quality and reliability of power. For example, the system operator procures instantaneous reserve which works automatically to secure the network in the event of a sudden failure of a large generating plant or piece of the transmission network.
The third is the hedge market, which consists of the over-the-counter market (OTC), the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) futures and options platform and the Financial Transmission Rights (FTR) market. The hedge market offers participants a way of insuring against volatile spot prices. Participants buy and sell financial instruments whose prices are based on expectations about the spot market and its underlying conditions. These products allow them to 'lock in' electricity prices in the future (futures products) or gives them the right to lock in a price if they choose (options product).
New Zealand electricity futures were first listed on the ASX in 2009 and the Authority has consistently worked to encourage the development of exchange-traded products. Most recently the ASX introduced monthly baseload futures and in 2018 we're expecting a range of cap products to be added, with reference points at Benmore and Otahuhu. This will give buyers more opportunities to strategically protect their electricity purchase prices and support electricity sellers in underwriting new plant investments.
As the ASX futures and options market has developed, so too has the number of participants trading on the market and their willingness to take larger positions. A key way of measuring this is the level of open interest. Open interest is essentially the total volume of contracts that can earn or owe money on the exchange at a given point in time. Some participants may hold contracts that cancel each other out, these aren't counted in the open interest measure as a dollar earned on one contract would be lost on another contract by the same participant.
As you can see from the graph below, the volume of open interest has been on a steep upward trajectory over the past year and reached 5,752 GWh in late November. That record level has remained fairly steady since.
It's important to appreciate open interest is just one measure of market performance. Trading volumes during November were 95 per cent higher than November 2016. We did see the spread between buy and sell prices widen temporarily over winter. These and other measures will be considered as the Authority carries out its comprehensive review of market performance over the 2017 winter.
Open interest - ETI
There are a number of motivators for the growth in open interest, including:
- The recent dry winter prompting buyers to seek new ways to protect against spot price rises
- Expectations that next year's winter, and possibly this summer, may also be dry
- New participants entering the market, both proprietary derivative traders and retailers
- Increased trading in quarterly ASX options.
Generally, more volume in the hedge market creates more opportunities for generators and retailers to effectively manage spot price risk. This reduces price shocks for generators and retailers and ultimately consumers.
As mentioned, the ASX is preparing to introduce two cap products to the hedge market. These cap products will allow electricity purchasers to pay an upfront premium to protect themselves against spot price which reach either $130/MWh or $300/MWh (depending on which cap product they buy), with both products being provided at both Benmore and Otahuhu.
Meanwhile, the cap products will enable sellers of electricity to gain more stable income for infrequently used plants and will help to underwrite or support new investments.
For more information on the hedge market data visit https://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/
13 Dec 2017 by Rory Blundell
Customisable market insights
The Electricity Authority's latest iteration of the powerful Electricity Market Information (EMI) website offers users easy-to-navigate and customisable access to detailed data.
It's been five years since we launched the EMI website, offering anyone access to detailed and timely information on New Zealand's electricity market. The website provides access to millions of charts and insights, from grid generation and demand trends to retail market share.
We're on a continual journey to improve EMI and have recently launched the latest iteration of the site. There are three main changes which give users easier access and personalisation.
1. Enhanced navigation
We've switched things up a bit to make navigation around the EMI site easier and more intuitive.
- The main menu now reflects the four categories we segment data and reports into, allowing users to easily select their area of interest. These categories are Retail, Wholesale, Forward markets and Environment. Trending content is available under each category, eg reports, datasets and latest discussions.
- We've promoted report subject tags to provide another method of navigation. Users can simply click a subject tag they are interested in to see all reports with information on that subject.
- Information about the data in any report has been moved from notes below the chart into its own tab above the report to make finding that information much easier.
We've also added relevant discussion tags to each report that link to conversation topics on the EMI forum, to help provide further context to users and help them find the answers they're looking for.
2. My dashboards
Users now have the ability to create and save their own dashboards. Similar to the favourites list on an internet browser, My Dashboards offers the ability to collate regularly visited data in one easy-to-access place. What's more, the functionality enables users to save their own specific parameters for views they set on charts, rather than always having to start from the defaults.
3. EMI news
We also have an "EMI news" tag on the site. By choosing to follow the news tag registered users will receive an email any time we release a new report or dataset on the site, a great way to ensure you're kept up to date with all the latest information. Users can also follow other categories and tags to ensure they don't miss other relevant discussions other users are having.
We're pleased to have launched the latest version of EMI, but we know with sites like these there are always opportunities for improvement. Whether you're a regular user or new to EMI, we'd love to hear your feedback. Head over to the EMI forum to join the conversation. For more information on how to use EMI to your advantage, visit our previous Market Commentary article.


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As most regular readers know, on the weekend I've been doing a weekly Twitter round up of interesting tweets about EMR and EHR. Well, this week I came across all sorts of odd tweets. Also, it seems that someone with EMR in their Twitter name has been talking about the Giants making it to the Super Bowl. On that note, I'm not sure I really care whether the Giants or the Patriots win the Super Bowl. Although, I think it will be a fun game to watch. Push came to shove, I'll take the Giants defense for the win. Enough football, back to the health IT and EMR talk.
This tweet is going to blow your socks off a little bit. We all know this type of technology is coming, but it's crazy to think that it's actually starting to be done. I might have to do a full post on this type of technology later:
UK: Edible Microchip Tracking Device goo.gl/fb/xdo5I #news #cellular #emr #politics
— Why Fry (@WhyFryWiFi) January 23, 2012
For those who didn't go read the article, it talks about an edible microchip that reports patient compliance with medication. Seems a bit extreme no? It's still quite a ways off, but is interesting to consider.
This next tweet is fascinating and the landing page it goes to is even more fascinating. Mostly because the tweet and landing page feel more like spam than they feel like a legitimate company. So, tread lightly if you click:
Post Edited: AAYUWIZ – is a state-of-the-art complete healthcare solution bit.ly/yUrcGm #aayuwiz #ehr #emr
— Sphata Systems (@sphatasystems) January 23, 2012
As best I can tell this is a legitimate company. Although, I can't understand why someone would think naming EMR software AAYUWIZ. Really? You've got to be able to do better than that. This looks like one of the MANY (and I mean many) EHR software that have been developed by Indian companies.
I don't know the entire process these companies go through, but so many of these Indian (and probably other countries as well, but all the ones I've seen have been from India) development houses see an opportunity to create EHR software. After developing the EHR software, they reach out to people like myself asking for help on bringing their EHR software to America. Seems like a really risky business model to me. At least a couple of them do have Indian healthcare strategies as well, but many seem to be solely focused on the US market with no way of actually entering the market.
@tnhimss Nursing informatics project # 2: EMR+ Analytics, to increase notifications (and faster) of organ donors. "auto triggers."
— Lawrence Lin (@larrylin) January 19, 2012
I like this idea. In fact, I'm a little surprised that I haven't seen anyone do this before. What kills me is that there are probably 100-200 projects like it in healthcare that could benefit from better use of technology, but for one reason or another we haven't gotten to it…yet(?). Seems like Lawrence Lin is working on it. Too bad he's working in China, but from Nashville, TN. Now, I've got to meet Lawrence to hear his stories.


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What to do with myself when the Flower Show is over but it's too early to set out my tender plants? Why, I assemble slide shows out of my 950-plus photos of the Show (the keepers out of the thousands I shot), and upload them to YouTube, of course!
Here's one featuring the People's Choice Award winner, Flowers by David: Ka'Kua (tattoo).
What would you like to see next? I probably have pictures of it!


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Po Na Na LOVES STUDENTS
Hey students… If you hadn't already noticed, we are all about loyalty! We hope you're just as excited as we are about the special events and offers we have coming up, specially geared to helping you have fun on a budget.
Take a moment to locate your college / university town and check out our special events to see what's happening in the weekly line-up. We pride ourselves on offering the best student experience and are constantly creating reasons for you to celebrate.
Make sure to download 'the LOYAL app' available from the App Store and Google Play for all those important offers!