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"It took me fifteen years to discover I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by then I was too famous." – Robert Benchley
Thus Ends the Intermission
I'm just coming out of an intermission from writing with a couple of awesome events and a few more terribly sobering ones in my rear view. Oh, but fear not! I'm ready to dazzle with my poignant, yet witty observations once again. Get comfy, switch on those bedside nightlights, and keep your eyes peeled.
- sld
Words on Writing : 10.18.14
Old World Ink
Perhaps someone noticed the robot's iridescent sheen, or the hexagonal head that abruptly rotated of its own volition. In fact, those were rather common qualities in robots on Starship PM15xB. Yet, no one noted the delicate foreign markings on this robot's surface. No one noticed the gentle sway as the robot hovered above the floor, whereas other robots glided across the shiny aluminum on three nonskid, rubberized wheels.
A group of students strode down the landing dock with cacophonous voices, their garments emblazoned with the red and blue of their affiliated nation. A short boy with orange hair generously tossed the too-yellow peelings of a cloned Starfruit on the ground, inches away from the receptacle, as he tended to do for all Recyclebots.
It did not retrieve the boy's trash. Instead, the robot's green laser eyes flashed for a mere hundredth of a space-time second, and a holographic file of the undisposed waste soared across the universe.
This visitor hid in plain sight. The inhabitants of PM15xB depended on artificial intelligence for everyday living, and the robot was equipped with an advanced Incognito Mode. Discovery by a native being could result in a failed mission, but the most important feature of this alien robot was what it carried inside its hollow innards.
The boy and his companions passed through the Antiquities classroom gate, one-by-one. The mechanized gate scanned each and every student's workstations, grading homework in an instant and simultaneously checking Memory Book assignments for completion. A pleasant ding-ding indicated that scanning was complete and that assignments were satisfactory.
Zeb never received the gratifying chime. He stepped into the scanner. An angry buzzing filled his ears, and he swiped a strand of fiery hair from his eyes. The class instructor glared at him, her gloved hands balled up on her pre-polymer-clad hips.
"Zebulon! Why won't you complete your Memory Book?" Miss Aurora huffed. He looked back at her with big, round eyes and swore that, truly, he had no recollection of the Old World. Of course, he really did; he simply had no desire to relive the old, gravitationally orthodox ball of dirt.
On the Old World, up could only ever be up, and down, only down. To catch a fly ball, he positioned himself underneath it and consciously stuck a tentative hand into its speeding path. Here, in zero gravity, he just fired up his pressurized Manu-Unit and soared after it.
On the Old World, he cleaned his sleeping quarters, prepared his own meals, washed his own garments. Trash was sorted by hand – perishables, glass, aluminum, paper. On the Starship, Nanobots and Biobots completed those chores for him.
Zeb loved his life on the space station, and he intended to never leave.
The robot's internal clock ticked. Finding suitable equipment storage was the first mission mandate.
Laser eyes switched on and scanned the area. No life forms detected.
The robot wavered along, heavy, across the dock and around a metal-walled corner into the school. A hallway loomed just ahead, bright and shiny, rows of pods lining its sidewalls.
Innumerable invisible beams scanned all the pods simultaneously. They locked on a single pod, and the robot floated down the hall, stopping in front of the pod marked 865. An invisible slot on the bot's upper trunk materialized, and a multi-jointed arm shuttled outward. At the arm's end, a jointed claw twisted the pod's handle, and the door eased open. The contents amounted to a Manu-Unit headset and gloves, a ball made from synthetic fiber and a synthetic club.
The robot's front panels clicked open, and an inner shelf presented a large grey box filling the body cavity. Mechanical rotators moved the box forward, setting it onto the floor. The robot reassembled itself, picked up the equipment box, now using two arms, and placed it inside the chosen pod. The door swung back and latched into its closed position.
Cyborg 1176, Intergalactic Cerberus, report follows: Stationing on Starship Planet Model 15xB: Completed. Mandate 1: Completed; one holofile logged. Mandate 2: Commencing.
A quick scan revealed that all had converged on the south side of the building. The robot zoomed down the hallway, thrusters humming with speed, toward the Antiquities class in session. It stopped just outside the entrance and peered inside.
The windowless lecture arena held 149 midyear students, plus one instructor. Diagrams, photographs and various other visual aids flashed across a large board at the helm. Insect, flower, leaf, musical instrument, coins. The students raised hands when they remembered an object and were called upon to share the memories with the class. The next image appeared to be quite primitive, black and grey, some form of sonography. The lighter parts of the image depicted a fetus, an unborn Being.
No hands.
Miss Aurora looked around the arena. "No one has any memories of babies?" Her gaze lingered to her left. "How about you, Zeb?"
Zeb didn't respond. His head lay on his workstation, eyes closed. Seated directly behind him, Persephone landed a sharp kick to Zeb's rear, and he jumped awake. The class stifled their laughter.
The instructor sighed, frowning. "I'll ask again. Zeb, do you have a memory of babies?"
Zeb squinted. "Babies? No, why? Why would I remember babies?"
The robot's eyes zoomed in on the orange-headed boy.
"Because your mother had the last biological baby in our history," she replied, her face softening. "Surely, you remember something. Think hard, Zeb. This is important."
"Why is this so important, huh?" Zeb hissed. "We've perfected genetics cloning. Human copulation was so… so animalistic… barbaric. Why do we need to remember the old ways of, well, anything?"
"We've had this discussion on several occasions," the instructor said, shaking her head. "Our interest lies in the tools we once used, the implications of primitive processes and the bearing of them on our future. We want to explore the What, the Why, and the How. We cannot shape our future if we do not understand our past, Zeb."
Zeb sighed loudly. "Despite all of that, I still don't remember anything about babies. Why don't you ask my mother?"
The silence was as vast as space itself.
"Zeb, I didn't – "
"Please, carry on," he huffed.
The robot recorded the exchange between Zeb and the instructor and sent the file to its superiors, noting the boy's relationship to the holofile sent earlier. Once the transmission was complete, Cyborg 1176 detected movement. Class had dismissed, and the Beings would exit the lecture arena into the hallway in three… the robot floated to a corner away from the door… two… activated Incognito Mode… one.
Persephone trailed her friend through the mire to his pod. She jumped in front of him and leaned against the pod door. "Hey, do you want to talk about what just happened?" Her designer burnished hair eclipsed her golden face, one eye peering at Zeb, soft and warm, like melted chocolate.
"Why? What just happened?" he feigned.
She frowned. Her perfectly constructed button nose wrinkled, but not so much as to appear ugly. "Cut the crap." She looked away and sighed. "I have to work on my Astronomy project tonight, but we'll talk tomorrow, okay?" She cocked an eyebrow that would never need grooming.
Zeb squinted, and his bushy brows scrunched together, revealing where a wrinkle would form with age. His father bore an identical mark. "Yes, ma'am," he mocked. Persephone nudged him the ribs and walked away. Zeb stared after her, a strange uneasiness in his belly.
He opened his pod, picked up his Manu-Unit headset, and stopped. A grey box sat in the bottom. Zeb glanced behind him, right and left, and slid the box's lid to the side. Something flat, electronic, was inside, metal, with glass tubes and small lights. He recovered the box, put on his Manu-Unit gloves, grabbed the box, and kicked the pod door.
The robot observed Zeb carry the equipment down the hallway, pushing through the crowd. Cyborg 1176 was unable to move, playing the part of trashcan.
Pieces and parts of the alien equipment littered Zeb's dormitory room floor. He'd tried to power the machine to deduce its function. When he realized he could not turn it on, Zeb deconstructed it.
"Whoa," he breathed. He held up one of the thousand or so miniature syringes he'd found in an inner compartment. The needle's point glinted under the overhead halogen light.
The syringe compartment attached to several glass tubes, possibly feeding through some type of scanner or detector, maybe even processing the substance by fractionation, then the resulting components stored in glass vials. The lights on top of the machine were labeled, but the words were indecipherable.
Zeb neglected his homework that evening, and he ignored an invitation via Satellpad from his dorm mates to toss around a ball. Not even the intermittent green flash just outside his door caught his attention.
Zeb rubbed the sleep from his eyes. His dream replayed in his mind, of a slender woman with red hair and freckled skin being stabbed by the machine with a thousand needles. He glanced at the floor, expecting to see the machine jumbled and strewn as he'd left it the night before. But it wasn't there.
He tossed the covers back, jumped from his bed and padded barefoot to the grey box sitting in the corner. He lifted the lid. Empty. He spun around, dove onto the floor and peeked under the bed. Nothing. He stood, his fingers running through his ruffled mane.
His Memory Book lay open on the desk. Zeb shuffled a bit closer, his head cocked. The page before him had been filled with a drawing of such detail, such delicate intricacy, that it might have been taken for a digital image. It depicted a dimpled baby, his eyes shining bright and cheeks flushed with glee, swathed in fleece. Zeb glowered and flung the book shut.
On the landing dock, he rushed to Persephone, his face locked in a scowl. "Did you come into my room last night?"
She smirked. "Happy landings to you, too."
"Did you?" he demanded.
"No," she said. "Why would I be in your room?"
"You didn't do this?" he said, holding out his Memory Book.
She sighed. "I don't know what you're talking about, Zeb."
"Look," he said, and he flipped open the book to the drawing.
Persephone gaped, taking the book in her hands. "Oh, Zeb," she breathed. "This is… it's so beautiful. In essence, you've exemplified two memories, the baby and… art. Antediluvian, yet mesmerizing." She handed the book back. "You should be proud of yourself."
"I didn't do this!" he shrieked. "Someone else… if not you…"
Persephone's eyes widened. "No, Zeb, I swear. I couldn't have made this if I'd wanted to." His freckled nostrils flared. "Hey," she said, "don't be upset… someone just left you a gift. You'll finally be favored by Miss Aurora."
The pleasant chime sounded as Zeb stepped through the Antiquities entrance, and Miss Aurora cried, "Zebulon, how wonderful! Thank the Moons!" He smirked as he sat in his seat. She did not call on him for the duration of the class, but whenever her gaze passed in his direction, her eyes shone a bit brighter.
After class, Persephone joined Zeb in his dorm room. She thumbed through his Memory Book. "Who do you suspect?"
"I've already told you," she laughed.
"There's something else," Zeb grumbled. He told Persephone about the machine. She examined the grey box that had once held it.
"Do you think whoever created the drawing also took the machine?" she asked.
"I can only assume so."
"Then let's assume this person will return for the machine's box, or perhaps to leave you another gift," she said, her voice quiet. "Let's set up a trap." They rummaged through Zeb's storage crate and dug out some old Laser Tag gear. Persephone recalibrated the receiver vests to alarm when the lasers missed them, and Zeb tied string around the pistols' triggers to make the lasers fire repeatedly. They tested pistol and vest positions until they were satisfied that the rig would catch any intruder.
Nanobots delivered their evening meals to Zeb's room, and they cheered when the alarm went off. Persephone hugged Zeb, an excited goodbye, and Zeb waited alone in the dark, staring at the spine of his Memory Book on the desk until his eyelids grew too heavy.
Zeb scrambled to his feet, yelling "LIGHTS ON! LIGHTS ON!" The overhead lights blinked on, and he shielded his eyes until they adjusted. He stood on top of his mattress, his head twisting and turning to catch a glimpse of the artist-thief. The laser vest alarmed on without ceasing, but there was no one to be seen. A trashcan sat in the center of the room, blocking the pistol's laser from reaching its target. Zeb glanced at his closed door, then ran over and flung it open. The hallway was empty, so he closed it back, and he disconnected the vests' power source.
He sat on the floor. The robot wavered lightly, and Zeb leaned in. "Your markings…" he whispered. "They're like the ones on the machine." His hand ran over the surface, his fingers tracing invisible lines. "You're not a Biobot, are you?"
The robot responded with a green flash. Zeb jumped back, and the robot zoomed underneath the desk, knocking the Memory Book to the floor. Another green flash.
"Stop it!" Zeb shouted. "Will you come out of there?"
Green flash.
"I don't know what you think you're doing-"
Flash. Flash, flash.
"-but I just want to talk to you!" Zeb growled, protecting his eyes.
The robot's appendages materialized, reaching out and snatching the Memory Book. All four phalanges on each of the robot's hands morphed into needlepoints, and an inky substance flowed from their ends. Zeb's jaw went slack, watching the image unfold. After only moments, the robot pushed the book away, its green eyes glowing steadily. The drawn image covered two pages, like a centerfold; it was a rendering of the Galaxy, complete with Zeb's starship and the neighboring ships – all the PM15x models.
"How did you do this?" he asked after a long while of silence. The robot stared, motionless.
"Can you speak? Do you know my language?"
The robot took the Memory book and flipped the page. He wrote in perfect, straight lettering: "I am unable to communicate vocally. I understand all known languages."
"Where are you from?" Zeb said.
"From a planet many light years away."
"Tell me about it."
"The home planet's atmosphere is 78 percent Nitrogen, 21 percent Oxygen, and .9 percent Argon, with trace amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapor. The temperature on the surface ranges from –127 degrees F to 136 degrees F; the average temperature is 59 degrees F.
"The planet completes its elliptical orbit around the sun in an average solar year, 365.24219 days. The axis is tilted 23.45 degrees away from the perpendicular to its orbital plane, producing seasonal climate variations.
"The tilt of the axis causes different parts of the planet to vary in the way they are oriented towards the sun at different times of the year…."
Zeb interrupted the robot's scribbling. "Okay, okay… that's enough. Why are you here?"
"The mission objective is to collect organic data samples from the PM15x starships and send them to base, in addition to observing the inhabitants of PM15x starships."
"You're observing us and collecting samples? Why? What are you looking for?"
"My superiors want to know if your kind is worth saving."
Zeb frowned. "What does that mean?"
"My counterparts have deemed your kind unworthy. You destroyed your home planet with pollution and overpopulation. The waters ran black with chemicals, the fields turned to poison and the native habitats died. My superiors deemed your kind a threat to the delicate balance of the universe."
"We're doing fine out here on our starships. We've developed new ways of living. We're not hurting anyone," he laughed.
"If I do not find sufficient evidence that your kind is beneficial to the universe, you will be destroyed."
Zeb laughed harder. "Robot, I like you. You've got a good sense of humor, and that's a difficult quality to find around here." He stood up. "I'm Zeb. I'm the last natural-born of my kind, and I hate it. I don't look like anyone else. I don't have the perfect features or superfast reflexes… so I'm happy to be here in space. Space is kind of the great equalizer, you know? No one is faster or stronger than anyone else."
The robot moved out from under the desk. It wrote: "This is why your kind is unworthy. You have abandoned nature."
"No, robot, we abandoned it because it failed us. Nature gave us too many kids like me." Zeb frowned. "Hey, do you have a name?"
"I am Intergalactic Cerberus, Cyborg 1176."
Zeb smirked. "That's a mouthful. Intergalactic Cerberus. I-C… I-N-C. Inc. Ink. How about that? Ink?"
"Ink, did you take the machine I'd disassembled?"
"Yes. It is highly sensitive equipment. You should not have taken it."
Zeb commanded the lights off and lay down. "I'll find you a reason to like my kind. You'll see."
He slept and had another uneasy dream. The slender red-haired woman and Zeb were surrounded by faceless, ambiguous beings.
When Zeb awoke, Ink was gone. The Memory Book lay open on the floor. The page read, "Do not alert authorities to Ink's presence. Ink will help Zeb find evidence worthy of saving." Zeb sighed.
The happy chime followed Zeb into his Antiquities class. Miss Aurora beamed. She started the class as usual: "Are there any questions?" Today, Zeb raised a hand.
"Zeb," she said, unable to hide her surprise, "yes? You have a question regarding Antiquities?"
He lowered his hand. "Did we abandon nature?"
"I'm not sure I understand what you are asking."
"On the old planet, did our people abandon nature? Change and kill it when it we could've learned from it?" Zeb's voice was strong.
"Well, I don't believe 'abandon' is the correct word," the teacher said. "I do believe we made improvements, made some processes easier on ourselves… such as DNA manipulation. We've all benefitted from that development."
"But how did we know what the result would be? How did we know there wouldn't be major consequences to manipulating DNA?"
"Because of scientific research and testing. A great amount of time and resources went into the study of DNA manipulation, and all other scientific improvements, I'll add, so that we know we are benefitting our kind, not hindering."
The other students began to chatter. Zeb hardly spoke in class, nor paid attention, and his sudden interrogation was cause for concern. A boy's voice in the back of the arena called out, "He's just jealous because he's natural-born."
"No, that's not what I'm talking about, but that brings up an interesting point," Zeb called out above everyone. "What is so wrong with being natural-born? Why does everyone have to be the same? Like robots?"
As Miss Aurora struggled to regain control of the class, Ink listened just outside the door and recorded. The sound file traveled across the light years along with a report:
Mandate 2: Completed; multiple samples and holofiles logged. Awaiting instructions for Mandate 3.
Persephone stalked Zeb all day. He ducked into the restroom during lunch and hid behind a Biobot in between classes. So, she waited outside his dorm room, twisting a strand of hair through her fingers. Before he could reach the end of the hall, she besieged.
"What happened last night? Did the trap work? Who was it? And what caused the confrontation in Antiquities?"
He stopped her from entering his room. "Nothing happened. No one came in."
Her face scrunched beautifully. "But… your Memory Book. I heard the chime."
"Oh… right," he breathed. "I… I did it myself… this time. I thought it would be nice… for Miss Aurora. She was so happy yesterday…."
"And then you blasted her," Persephone snickered.
Zeb faked a yawn. "I'm really tired… didn't sleep well. I'll talk to you tomorrow." He shut the door and rushed to pull out his Memory Book. Then he sat on his bed and flipped through it, reading over Ink's responses, silent and thoughtful.
Ink nudged Zeb awake with the Memory Book. Zeb commanded the lights, took the book and looked at the page the robot presented. A woman with a full, happy face, her eyes and her lips stretched in smiles. Her copper hair was drawn up into a loose bun high on her head, and she wore thick-rimmed glasses low on her nose. Her white shirt was pulled tight across a belly heavy with child.
"Who is this?" he whispered. He swallowed hard, his face stern.
Ink reached across the bed and wrote one word: Mother. A tear slid across Zeb's cheek and followed the curve of his nose. The robot reached across again and wrote, "You have her eyes."
Zeb smiled, and whispered, "I do, don't I?" He pushed the book away, and swiped at his nose. "How'd you know?"
"A holograph of this image is available on an obsolete network hard drive. It seemed that you should know that you are worth saving."
"Thank you, Ink."
"You are welcome." And then, "Friend."
The two sat still and wordless, the alien robot and the last natural-born boy.
Words on Writing : 10.13.14
"Let the world burn through you. Throw the prism light, white hot, on paper." – Ray Bradbury
Words on Writing : 10.6.14
"Any kind of creative activity is likely to be stressful. The more anxiety, the more you feel that you are headed in the right direction. Easiness, relaxation, comfort – these are not conditions that usually accompany serious work." – Joyce Carol Oates
Words on Writing: 10.3.14
Thoughts on Cormac McCarthy's The Road
I'm suffering from a book-hangover. I can't stop thinking about The Road by Cormac McCarthy… oh, the haunting simplicity of it.
McCarthy's prose is sparse, but tells so, so much. He doesn't offer an excessive amount of detail; the narrator observes the way, I think, a starving, shivering, half-broken man clutching his young son would look at the world. Speech interactions between the man and son are short and few, and serve great purpose in showing their nature. The bleak, rotting landscape remains constant, yet never dulls in impact, and struggles are repeated time after time, but increase concern for the man and his young son. McCarthy offers a beautifully heartfelt story of hope, love and how far one will go to make sure another keeps on going.
What struck me the most about McCarthy's writing was how he handled the fear and violence. In The Road's post-apocalyptic setting, one expects the characters to fear other men, to worry about being killed and/or looted. Once I realized a main concern was avoiding rampant cannibalism, even planning to commit suicide if he and his son were doomed to meet such an end, I began to notice how McCarthy presented it.
The scariest part of the novel came about midway through, when the man and son enter a house and find a padlocked hatch door inside. The boy begged his father to not open it, to leave the house. As a father, the man felt obligated. Of course, he thought someone was locking away food. In just a few short sentences, McCarthy describes the harrowing scene as the man peeks into the basement room, and my eyes welled as I read.
He started down the rough wooden steps. He ducked his head and then flicked the lighter and swung the flame out over the darkness like an offering. Coldness and damp. An ungodly stench. He could see part of a stone wall. Clay floor. An old mattress darkly stained. He crouched and stepped down again and held out the light.
Huddled against the back wall were naked people, male and female, all trying to hide, shielding their faces with their hands. On the mattress lay a man with his legs gone to the hip and the stumps of them blackened and burnt. The smell was hideous.
Jesus, he whispered.
Then one by one they turned and blinked in the pitiful light. Help us, they whispered. Please help us.
See how simple the writing is? And it still brought such powerful imagery.
Now – don't think I'm weird – after I read this part of the book, I stopped to analyze it, and my mind went to Chuck Palahniuk. (Yeah. I do this sometimes. Just one of my warped ways of teaching myself new tricks.)
There's no questioning my love for Chuck Palahniuk. He has this no-holds-barred, in-your-face style that, without fail, awakens my senses, my entire body. I marvel at his ability to tell stories with equal amounts candidness and artful prose, but Palahniuk's signature trait is his razor-sharp description without actually describing much.
I thought, how would Chuck have handled this situation?
Well, I can only guess, but I think he might have offered an image of the man's missing quadriceps hanging somewhere like cured hams, or the salty, briny combination of piss, sweat and preserved meat, how they huddled together like slaughterhouse cows, or he may have thrown in a fun fact about how rats will eat human flesh and develop a taste for human blood… . Gross, I know. Anyway, my point is that good old Chuck wouldn't necessarily change the language McCarthy used, but he would, without a doubt, throw in some extrasensory detail, or a little satire to give us accompanying imagery, to really drive the visual in our minds, to make us cringe even more.
Is Chuck's signature trait necessary here? Does it make the passage better? Not especially, and here's why: McCarthy's story doesn't call for it. The Road doesn't want to exploit the violence or the fear, not in the way Palahniuk's works can and must. Think about the reverse of this exercise… if we removed those extra visuals from, say, Fight Club, what would happen to the story? Fight Club, a story wrought with fear and violence, is about a crazy guy who forms a club that terrorizes cities. Without the satirical anecdotes and the visual asides, the story would become somber, lacking in that off-color comedic relief needed to escape the beating. Still interesting, though, just not as much so.
If I were writing my version of The Road, I would've bored myself to tears trying to flower-up the language and come up with completely unique sensory descriptions for the never-changing landscape. I would've muddied up the basement scene with too much description, trying to paint an overly vivid visual of the dirty, tear-streaked faces, the protruding shoulder blades, the smell of rot and burnt hair… I could go on and on, making this scene much, much more than it needs to be. I would put too much emphasis on it, making the story about cannibalism, not about the love shared by a man and his son. McCarthy and Palahniuk, both in their expertly crafted methods, weave stories so readers will experience what they want them to experience. And that is a skill, I hope, I can learn in time.
There are millions of guides on writing out there. They attempt to blueprint how to write a novel. Workbooks on developing characters ask me to answer these ten questions about each of my characters…. now subtract one feature and keep it a secret… my character is complete! Authors expose the secret to the perfect mainstream novel: describe everything! Literary writers tell me to avoid plots at all costs. In the end, no one can tell me what will work for me. I'll still read books on writing, but I have to examine my motives and purpose for a story. No one can tell me how to do it; I have to figure it out on my own.
There is no formula, and we are its prophets.
- sld
Generate Nerve-Shredding Story Tension—Power of the Secret-Keeper
Great reminders here… What do you think? Are you a secret-keeper? – sld
Originally posted on Kristen Lamb's Blog:
It's tempting for us to create "perfect" protagonists and "pure evil" antagonists, but that's the stuff of cartoons, not great fiction. Every strength has an array of corresponding weaknesses, and when we understand these soft spots, generating conflict becomes easier. Understanding character arc becomes simpler. Plotting will fall into place with far less effort.
My POV? All memorable stories are character-driven. Plot merely serves to change characters from a lowly protagonist into a hero….kicking and screaming along the way.
One element that is critical to understand is this:
Everyone has Secrets
To quote Dr. Gregory House, Everybody lies.
All good stories hinge on secrets.
I have bodies under my porch.
Okay, not all secrets in our fiction need to be THIS huge.
Secret #1—"Real" Self Versus Authentic Self
We all have a face we show to the world, what we want others to see…
View original 1,226 more words
Words on Writing : 9.30.14
"Write hard and clear about what hurts." – Ernest Hemingway


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CD Projekt Red's upcoming The Witcher Adventure Game has received a rather lengthy video tutorial from the company… Read More
One of the biggest holiday-based sales day is upon us and as expected a lot of Android game… Read More
Tomorrow is the day we here in the United States lose our minds and spend a ridiculous amount… Read More
Mad Maks 3D, developed by Noumena Innovations, is a tank shoot-em-up game where you can pilot different types of tanks and go about in the 3D world destroying all enemy vehicles. Unlike most 3D games of this nature, this particular title is more cartoon in feeling with all the vehicles having faces, expressions and their shape is more along the lines of what you would see in a cartoon style game.
Controlling your tanks is done using the on-screen D-pad or a combination of that and tilting your phone. You also have multiple weapons at your disposal which you can toggle on the right hand side of the screen along with the big FIRE button you use to shoot. Everything in the game is 3D from the enemies to the landscape and all are very detailed but not overly so rendering is fast and smooth letting you deal with the destruction of enemies over wondering why it's lagging.
The challenge games are sort of like mini-games inside the main game and are more along the lines of survival mode typing gaming. Good feature to use if you just want a quick fix of cartoon tank destruction if you only have a few minutes to kill. Mad Maks 3D should run fine on pretty much every Android device although newer devices will see slightly better performance simply because of the upgraded hardware in them.
One downside to this game is that it is not formatted for large screen resolutions such as the Nexus One, Evo, Incredible etc etc and so you have a small blank area on either side of the game's battlefield. However, this doesn't effect the game controls or actual gameplay, it just doesn't take advantage of the full screen.
While the only version of this game available is the Lite version, it still offers up a good time and great graphics and it's free to grab off the Android market right now. The paid version should be coming soon but no exact date has been mentioned so we will just have to keep our eye out for it. If you like 3D games then this is definitely a fun title to consider adding to your collection.
Developer Website: Noumena Innovations
Click QR code to enlarge for easy scanning: {rokbox}images/stories/QRCodeLibrary/QRMadMaks.png{/rokbox}
Black Friday is almost upon us and when that day arrives, the general population of the United States loses their minds and goes on a shopping spree. Of course this is because every merchant puts all their goods on sale with deep discounts. Nvidia is planning to jump in on… Read More
We have been following the progress of the Lollipop update since it was announced that the Nvidia Shield Tablet would be the first commercial product outside of the new Nexus series of devices that would be receiving the new Android OS. Well the update is right on time and is… Read More
A hacker was able to run the PlayStation game Croc on an Android Wear device, specifically the LG G Watch. Emulators running on an Android Wear watch is always a fun idea.Read More
Wayward Souls is an action-adventure game built for quick playthroughs and massive amounts of replay value. It was inspired by Spelunky, Secret of Mana, and our previous game, Mage Gauntlet.
Procedurally generated random levels mean that every time you play the game, it's a different experience. Control one of six characters, all with their own unique playstyles, abilities, and equipment. Explore and fight for survival, in combat where your tactics, positioning, and timing matter.
Google Play: Wayward Souls
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subset: commoncrawl


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Jason Aldean Teases Big Announcement With More Puzzling Clues
Jason Aldean has a big announcement to deliver on Thursday (Jan. 9), and instead of simply revealing his major surprise, he's dropping clues left and right!
Jason Aldean has a big announcement to deliver on Thursday (Jan. 9), and instead of simply revealing his major surprise, he's dropping clues left and right!
Jason Aldean has something up his sleeve. The singer revealed he has a big announcement coming on Jan. 9 and shared two photo teasers, which provide clues about what he is planning to reveal.
The competition in the Artist of the Year category at the 2013 American Country Awards (Dec.10) was tough, populated by the likes of Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and more.
The final date of George Strait's farewell tour, called The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, is quickly approaching. Strait's last stop is at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and tickets went fast.
The 2014 Grammy nominees were announced Friday night (Dec. 6) during a concert broadcast live out of Los Angeles.
Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw and other country superstars were honored as the 2013 CMT Artists of the Year on Tuesday (Dec. 3). The recipients all gave smashing performances and heartfelt speeches to make the evening a very special celebration of their successes.
George Strait will prove once and for all why he is the King of Country. The icon is set to play his final show ever with a ridiculously star-studded lineup of artists at his side, ensuring the country legend will ride away from his touring days in style.
When Shania Twain's music video for 'That Don't Impress Me Much' was released, it impressed a lot of people -- that includes superfan Saskia Vese, who now is downright obsessed with the country star.
File this video under things never to forgive mom for. A teen riding home after getting her wisdom teeth pulled was interrogated on video … by her mother! Amongst the revelations: Scotty McCreery is apparently her boyfriend.
The deluxe edition of 'Golden,' Lady Antebellum's fourth studio album, includes three previously unreleased songs plus three acoustic versions of well-known hits. All six fit within the context of the original 12 tracks. 'Golden' is still the most organic album the trio has released to date.
It's a fact: Jason Aldean looks fine in denim.


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The new buzzword is AirPlay. A lot of manufacturers are trying to squeeze Apple's technology into new product releases—and with good reason. AirPlay allows users to stream iTunes from a computer or music from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch directly to the AirPlay-enabled device.
A variety of manufacturers are putting out receivers and stand-alone devices with AirPlay inside. Today, you can have one of those units quite cheaply. Woot has the Pioneer AirPlay Music Tap System on sale for just $179.99. The list price on this tabletop unit is $399, making this a nice deal. Just know that you'll need to kick in an extra $5 to have it shipped.
Besides having AirPlay features, this 2-channel Music Tap has built-in WiFi, so you can stream music anywhere in the house. It can even be connected to the TV, so you can view album artwork and song info on the larger screen.
Other highlights include a 2.5-inch full-color LCD screen, FM radio, DLNA 1.5 and vTuner Internet Radio features, and support for Bluetooth (via the optional AS-BT200 adapter).
Just know that this is a one-day discount, so the deal will end today (Wednesday, April 4, 2012)—or whenever Woot runs out of stock!Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter.
The new smart home system allows you to monitor and control your yard's watering schedule.
Lutron lighting control and Crestron home automation bring light, entertainment and security to luxury home.
A look at the current and upcoming Blu-ray discs t that will support the new Dolby Atmos audio format.


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For the first time in decades, instead of relying on 12 residents who are given one-sided instructions and lack the power to indict, Bernalillo County will have an elected office responsible for determining whether police shootings are justified.
It is what most district attorneys in New Mexico and around the country do. It is what state District Court judges have demanded. And it is what District Attorney Kari Brandenburg has resisted.
In the 25 years the so-called investigative grand jury system has been in place in Bernalillo County, the 12 citizens Brandenburg lauds as not having "a dog in the fight" have found every single police shooting case they have reviewed justified under New Mexico law. Even in cases where the city later shells out huge settlements — often as dictated by a different group of 12 citizens that has had a more robust presentation of the facts.
It bears mentioning that the old system cleared the detective who shot and killed Iraq War veteran Kenneth Ellis III, whose family was just awarded a $10.3 million jury verdict. A judge had also determined the shooting was unlawful.
However, the "all clear" result may not change under the new system — Brandenburg says just one officer shooting in 500 nationwide results in criminal charges. But there's hope the public's faith in the process will change.
Under the new system, the DA's Office will respond to the scene, investigate, hear from the victim's relatives and determine if there is probable cause a crime was committed. If it does, it will send the information to a real grand jury for possible indictment, not to a group of jurors that is only given the various justifications for an officer to shoot, not one that has no authority to file charges, not one that is considered an expedient way to deflect tough decisions the DA is supposed to make about the police department.
Another plus: Brandenburg says "our goal is to give as much (information) as possible" by posting online the "findings letter" to the police chief, investigative reports, exhibits, the officer's statement and other case documents. She says reviews should be complete within six months — a significant change considering she has said it now takes more than a year and that she has 16 or 17 pending cases she plans to resolve by July 1.
This new system is an important component to restoring faith in Brandenburg's office and in a police department under the cloud of a federal civil-rights investigation.
This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.


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Critics Choice Awards: '12 Years,' 'American Hustle' Earn 13 Nominations EachStory | Dec 16, 2013 | 10:30 AMWith "12 Years a Slave" and "American Hustle" leading the pack (13 bids each), plenty of films have reason to celebrate their nominations from the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, because it's one of the more reliable Oscar gauges around. The best pic...
Julia Louis-Dreyfus feels 'Enough Said' character's empty-nest pain
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'12 Years a Slave' Leads London Critics NominationsStory | Dec 17, 2013 | 8:30 AMLONDON -- The nominations for the London Critics' Circle Film Awards were announced Tuesday, with Steve McQueen's "12 Years A Slave" topping the ballot with nine noms. Stephen Frears' "Philomena" took five noms, while Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine," Jon...
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: James Gandolfini 'Had a Lot of Insecurities'Story | Dec 17, 2013 | 2:30 PMAs "Enough Said" fades to black, the words "For Jim" appear at the beginning of the end credits. Just like the film itself, Monday night's Variety Screening Series Q&A paid homage to the late James Gandolfini. This was Gandolfini's last performance...
TV This Week: Dec. 22 - 28: 'Mr Stink' on KOCE
TV hits a prime time online and beyond in 2013
Directors on Their Teams: Nicole Holofcener on 'Enough Said'Story | Dec 19, 2013 | 4:30 PMIn her fifth film, Fox Searchlight's "Enough Said," Nicole Holofcener wrote and directed a tale of middle-age romance, which is full of charm but has plenty of heartbreak as well. The film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini as two people who...
'Rust And Bone' Scribe Boards Michael R. Roskam's 'The Faithful' (Exclusive)Story | Dec 21, 2013 | 10:30 AMFrench scribe Thomas Bidegain, a close collaborator of Gaul's famed auteur Jacques Audiard, is set to co-pen "The Faithful" with helmer Michael R. Roskam ("Bullhead"). With screenwriting credits like Golden Globes-nominated romance drama "Rust And Bone"...
2013: The year's 10 biggest culture war battles
Kathleen Turner embraces 60. Get over it, 'Body Heat' fans!Story | Dec 23, 2013 | 2:30 AM"I DON'T look like I did 30 years ago -- get over it!" That's actress Kathleen Turner, soon to be 60. Miss Turner says she's confident and happy with herself, but feels the strain when confronted by fans who remember her svelte sizzle in 1981's "Body...


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Sun, Nov 09, 2014
There's nothing quite like central Florida in the summertime... which is but one reason Aero-News relocated its Global Headquarters from Polk County, FL up to the Jacksonville area, some time ago... though we're STILL getting mail forwarded from the old address.
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By Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
World Water Day is held annually on March 22 to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
It's quiet in the neighborhood around Nabilid Elementary School. The school sits amid a small community of 10 houses and a sari-sari store that sells packets of instant noodles, soda and junk food. The peace is only broken by the roar of an occasional jeepney bus, carrying children and their adult guardians to and from school in this section of the southern Philippines island of Mindanao.
Amid the dust and black exhaust, passengers have to cover their noses and mouths with handkerchiefs. Thirsty children walk straight to the school's canteen after arriving, seeking something to drink.
Because the school's water system doesn't work properly, children go for artificially flavored juices or cola, which are cheaper than juice. Nabilid's water taps were installed incorrectly, so mud gurgles from them.
Lacking funding to correct the plumbing problem, the school is forced to ration water collected in large drums, but soon this situation is set to improve.
ChildFund has a long-standing partnership with Nabilid Elementary, supporting early childhood development programs, child-friendly teaching methods, teacher training, peer mentoring among older students and stocking of learning materials and books for students. "Nabilid's made good with ChildFund's support, adopting ECD in their curriculum and developing their faculty," says Marlene, a ChildFund Philippines staff member. "ChildFund recognizes, however, how water is specifically crucial to the success of our efforts here." This is why ChildFund is installing a clean and functional water system at Nabilid.
Marlene is monitoring the progress of the water system's construction at Nabilid and five other schools in the southern Philippines. "Though seemingly oblique, providing a safe water supply is in fact crucial to ECD services at schools," Marlene says. Activities like hand-washing and personal hygiene education, as well as and some parent-education activities like nutritious food preparation, become difficult without water.
"Completion of the water supply systems in these five areas alone will benefit a total student population of 20,000 boys and girls," Marlene notes. Nabilid's new water system is expected to be fully functional by the end of March.
The school administration is appreciative of the progress and matches ChildFund's contribution by committing labor and some construction supplies. ChildFund's local partner agency will also help the school design common sinks just the right height for younger children. The School Governance Council has also pledged to maintain the water system once it's in place.
ECD sessions continue while the Philippines' older students are on summer break, which began in mid-March and continues through May. Over these months, Nabilid's teachers expect more heat and dust. Once the water starts flowing, though, children will have a school environment that's more conducive to learning.
Were you inspired by today's blog? Share your thoughts on the subject with your Twittter followers! This week, ChildFund is encouraging its supporters to "tweet-out" for World Water Day using the hashtag #Water4Children. Top tweeters will receive water gifts sent to a family in their honor. More details here.
By Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
On International Women's Day, we're spotlighting some of the amazing girls and women we've encountered in ChildFund-supported communities. We honor their struggles and cheer their successes.
"Not today, Sister," the woman whispered to Jo-anne. They had the street to themselves, but the woman spoke in hushed tones. "You shouldn't go today," she repeated.
Jo-anne understood the advice. Danger was afoot, according to the woman, who is a member of the Tausug indigenous communities in the southern Philippines. Jo-anne is a nun who works for a local organization that partners with ChildFund.
Jolo is the largest island in the Sulu archipelago, which comprises the southernmost tip of the Philippine Islands. There, rolling hills give way to pristine coastlines of crystal clear water and fine white sand. In the provincial capital, also named Jolo, the exotic durian fruit is found in such abundance that a mere breath of air yields a trace of the fruit's distinct yet controversial smell (imagine garlic plus old garbage).
Despite Jolo's beauty, the island is not a tourist destination because of abductions and frequent clashes between government and armed groups. Private investors and even development agencies have withdrawn to the safety and convenience of cities like Davao and Cagayan de Oro in nearby Mindanao.
Jo-anne was born in the Mindanao mainland. Her father was a farmer, and her mother was a public school teacher. Growing up in a community of Christians and Muslims, she developed an appreciation for different beliefs and cultures. Jo-anne worked as a government agricultural technologist for five years until 1999, when she decided to join a religious order.
As a nun, Jo-anne served in different provinces in Mindanao. Her assignment to Jolo in 2011 as a project manager posed unique challenges.
Jo-anne had to learn the Tausug language and its culture, which is different from the mainland's. "Children were my first tutors in the local language," she says.
Another concern was safety. On her commute to work, Jo-anne often saw curious crowds flocking to fresh crime scenes. Other times, the motorcycle taxi driver would share news of an armed clash between government and militia the night before. "That kind of thing always used to scare me," she says. "It came to a point where I confronted myself, asking if I would let fear keep me from my work."
Working in partnership with ChildFund did much to help Jo-anne allay her fears. "ChildFund's reputation for working in some of the most difficult circumstances in the Philippines lends me much credibility," she says.
Also, Jo-anne's work with Tausug children endeared her to their families, particularly mothers, who grew protective of her. When possible, one or two mothers accompany Jo-anne when she travels to rural villages to visit ChildFund project sites or the homes of sponsored children.
Sometimes, Jo-anne hears, "Not today, Sister. You shouldn't go. You should stay in town today." This is the warning mothers share whenever news of troop movements, incursions or other dangers reaches their ears. When Jo-anne is already in the field, the women make sure she is properly accompanied and escorted home or to town. Jo-anne's thankful to be included in the local "warning chain," despite being an outsider.
"I've learned being a woman in these circumstances is an advantage," Jo-anne says. "The Tausug regard women highly, mothers particularly." Though Jo-anne has chosen a religious life, the Tausug mothers identify with her because she has devoted herself to the wellbeing of their children.
Today Jo-anne continues to travel all over Jolo. She remains cautious, but because of this web of protection, she is no longer as scared.
"When I arrive home at the end of the day, I exclaim my thanks, not for making it back safely, but for the mothers who've adopted me as one of their own."
By Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
In this small agricultural village in Eastern Luzon, children below schooling age don't own closed-toe shoes. In many low-income communities across the Philippines, pragmatism leads children to wear flip-flops, which are relatively inexpensive and remarkably durable. Even when their parents can afford a pair of shoes, children still go about their casual business in flip-flops, preserving their shoes for school, church or other formal occasions.
Many young people in this village, much like other parts of the country, will own their first pair of shoes only when they begin school, where shoes are part of the uniform.
Nonetheless, on the porch of a small home in this village, children younger than 5 learn to tie their shoes long before they ever own any. These children attend a home-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) program ChildFund supports in areas unreached by government day care centers. Home-based ECD sites like this are known as Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) centers, staffed by local volunteers. They are not professional day care workers or educators, but ChildFund trains them to be effective and innovative.
Innovate is just what Mabeth did. The SNP volunteer started with rolls of colored paper, felt markers and all the creativity she could pool together to make her front porch a learning environment for children. She hung paper cut-outs illustrating animals and objects that correspond to letters in the alphabet. In place of printed charts describing parts of the body, Mabeth's front porch has hand-drawn illustrations. Mobiles hang from the ceiling describing different emotions children experience, such as happy, sad, and scared.
One cardboard box stores all the children's shoes — shoes made from paper. They have a double-layer of colored paper for a sole and a loop of paper on top. Colored string is used for laces. "Poor children [in this neighborhood] often don't have shoes, and I feel it's important they learn to tie their laces like other children do," Mabeth says.
Children at this SNP site may not yet own closed-toe shoes, but the innovation of ChildFund volunteers helps make sure they have many opportunities for development early in their childhood.
By Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
Rice, biscuits, canned goods and bottled water sold briskly at the local supermarket in Malita, Philippines, as Typhoon Bopha approached the islands in early December. Food supplies would have to last days, possibly weeks. This, at least, is what panic-buyers reasoned as they crowded the store. Many families could not store much, however, as they would need to haul all their essentials to designated evacuation centers. But time was on their side, as authorities had called for families to evacuate two full days before the typhoon would strike on Dec. 4.
Malita is a town in Davao Oriental, on the eastern seaboard of Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines. No strangers to the tempests that the Pacific Ocean would occasionally send them, the residents of Malita fully understood their vulnerability to typhoons, as well as the flooding and landslides often found in their wake. A 2011 typhoon, Washi, which wreaked considerable harm, was their most recent reminder of this danger, at least until Typhoon Pablo, the local name for Bopha.
The storm was forecast to cross right over northern Mindanao and past the western Visayas island group. Residents in Malita braced for the worst, supported by ChildFund and other humanitarian and government agencies that had helped them create emergency response plans. These efforts toward preparedness saved lives. Early warning systems, successful evacuations and storm shelters all helped ensure that as many people as possible were able to protect themselves from harm.
ChildFund has been working in Malita for 28 years now and deeply understands the local community's geographical risks. ChildFund's local partner organization is staffed almost entirely by former sponsored children who grew up there. Partner organization manager Maribel says, "The Malita River makes the community vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Malita is also vulnerable to tsunamis from the Pacific."
These risk factors are why ChildFund has been working with local authorities to improve disaster preparedness. ChildFund supports and complements government programs, directing efforts and resources toward supporting these measures. ChildFund's youth association in Malita also joined a local group associated with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. There they were trained in first aid, evacuation plans, water safety and rescue. Parents of sponsored children also signed up at the barangay (village) office to assist with distributing relief supplies.
Thelma Oros, a disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) officer for Malita, says the local disaster plan is strong. "Residents of coastal communities evacuated early enough, and there was sufficient pre-positioning of food packs and medicines," she says.
Typhoon Pablo did strike hard on Dec. 4, leaving more than 1,000 dead, 800 still missing and tens of thousands homeless, mostly in the Surigao and Compostela Valley provinces. In Malita, the conditions were not as treacherous as predicted.
"Half of ChildFund's 26 local partners stood either directly or adjacent to the path of Typhoon Pablo, but most made it through without loss, damage or injury," ChildFund program officer Erwin Galido says. "They prepared and they braced, but I suppose the least consolation we can draw, after surveying the damage Typhoon Pablo caused in northern Mindanao, is that our communities and partners have been spared.
By Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
Each Nov. 19, World Toilet Day is observed as reminder that 2.6 billion people lack access to toilets and proper sanitation. This year, sanitation is a particular worry in the Philippines where families have been living in a tent city for several months after floods submerged their homes.
In rural areas of the Philippines, toilets – when you can find them –
consist of just a basic bowl with no lift-up seat. These are usually made of ceramic, but among poorer communities, toilets are often made of concrete. Water closets are rare, mainly because the local water supply is irregular. Even where there's water in the tap, many people prefer to flush manually using a pail, claiming it saves more water than a modern flush.
For 297 Filipino families currently living at the relocation tent city at Marianville, located in the Laguna province town of Bay [Ba-e], even the rough, concrete toilets would be preferable, as the camp's makeshift latrines offer only rudimentary sanitation.
Heavy monsoon rains inundated the Philippine capital of Manila and surrounding locales in early August. Floodwater from Manila drained into Laguna Lake, south of the capital, swelling it to dangerous levels. Simultaneous with Manila's recovery, towns like Bay were submerged in water, chest-deep in many areas. Rice fields became lakes and homes drowned in water that quickly turned dark and septic as the flood lingered. Many families had no choice but to evacuate to designated shelters. From there, they were moved to tent camps where they'd wait out the floods, which would recede in the sun, but would quickly fill again when it rained.
Many children reside in the tent community at Marianville. For the past several months, ChildFund has responded with emotional and psychological support activities through Child-Centered Spaces set up at the camp. Children's safety and protection remains paramount as families endure the long wait to return home.
ChildFund's focus on child protection is doubly important in irregular circumstances such as disaster, according to Hubert Par, a ChildFund sponsor relations officer who also serves on the Emergency Response Team. "Children are especially vulnerable in crowded tent camps, particularly as the toilets are common [not private], and are often constructed from available materials," Par says.
Since summer, ChildFund has worked with its local partner to train first responders, local authorities and youth volunteers to educate children and families living in the tent community on simple steps for keeping children safe, especially when nature calls.
ChildFund has worked with camp managers to make sure separate latrines were set up for males and females, with neither facility located more than 50 meters from the camp proper. "We also made sure camp managers and residents kept the discipline of never sending a child to the restrooms alone. Children should be accompanied by a caregiver when going to the common latrines," says Par. "We also inform them of mechanisms by which they can report any child protection issues that may arise," he adds.
Kerzon, 16-year-old youth volunteer, has become a strong advocate for child protection, in addition to his daily response work in the camp, and his duties as a local youth council representative. "As a Child-Centered Space volunteer, I'm proud not just of being able to help, but also because I'm able to share practical knowledge, specifically about child protection," he says.
Although families long to return to and repair their homes, flood levels remain up to 3 feet deep in Bay. Although the comfort of home and a private restroom must wait, ChildFund is working to ensure that the camp's plywood and plastic common latrines are safe for children.
If you would like to help children around the world who lack a proper toilet, please consider a gift to the Children's Greatest Needs fund.
By Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
Marvin hails from a small coastal town in Northern Mindanao, the southernmost group of islands in the Philippines. In his hometown, people farm if they live inland or fish if they live near the shore. His father's occupation is the latter, and 13-year-old Marvin's family has tried to live within what the sea grants or denies. On a good day, the proceeds from the day's catch are typically not enough to cover the family's basic needs, including school fees for the children. On bad days, when Marvin's father cannot sell much at the market to earn cash, the family can at least share the fish among themselves.
There are even worse days, however, when storms are at sea, and a rough tide keeps fishermen at shore. On days like these, Marvin's father drives a commuter tricycle—a three-wheeled taxi. Earnings are not much because storms keep people off the road as much as they keep fishermen on land. His father also has to pay rent to the tricycle's owner for each day of use.
Although public school education in the Philippines is officially free, each semester students like Marvin have come to expect an assortment of extraneous fees that make attending school expensive.
Small school budgets often mean that administrators shift many costs to students in the form of miscellaneous fees for registration, student ID, computer and library usage and special projects. Families also must pay for their children's school uniforms, notebooks, pens and crayons, bus fare, recess snacks and lunch.
When his family couldn't make ends meet, Marvin would forego the bus and his school lunch, walking to school and packing what food he could from home.
The cost of Marvin's schooling weighs on his family, especially when his father's earnings are down. "My parents sometimes fight over expenses, including the cost of keeping me in school," Marvin shares. "Sometimes my father says it would be better if I'd stop schooling," he says, noting the he recognizes that he could be helping his father earn money, instead of costing him money.
Marvin doesn't know how to approach his father when he encounters a new expense at school. "I made it into a science class [in the honor's program], but that required me to come to school in full uniform [other students wear only certain basic pieces], and I didn't know where to get the 500 Pesos (US$12) to complete mine."
Thankfully, Marvin has received help he didn't expect. He's been sponsored by his "Aunt" Janie through ChildFund since fourth grade. Recently, Aunt Janie sent Marvin a helpful boost just when he needed it most—extra funds for a full school uniform—a great gift he means to thank her for in his next letter. Now, he can attend the honors science class.
Marvin says ChildFund played a role in his admission into the science class. "I used to be real shy and timid," he says, noting that he gained self-assurance by going to ChildFund's summer camp and participating in leadership training activities. That confidence has led him a second term as president of his community's youth organization. He's also a youth representative on the National Anti-Poverty Commission. "I'm able to raise my community's problems to the authorities," Marvin says.
Newfound confidence and his gratitude for his sponsor's support have moved him to excel at school. He tries to avoid ever being late for school, lest it seem he's squandering the opportunities he's fortunate to have. Even though his perseverance in school has led to greater expenses, Marvin remains grateful for his sponsor's support that sees him through still.
If you'd like to sponsor a child like Marvin, visit ChildFund's website. Your small contribution makes a big difference.
by Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
Twenty-year-old Necie "Nice" wasn't precisely sure how she'd stare down five of the local tambays [idle men] in her neighborhood. But something had to be done.
Earlier in the day, a neighbor had caught a peculiar-looking turtle in the Agos River. By evening, the turtle was in a plastic basin, and it looked like it might soon be served as pulutan [finger-food] for the local tambays when they gathered for a drink. Nice wasn't sure, but the turtle looked like a pawikan, a sea turtle, to her.
The most remarkable thing happened, however. The turtle managed to jump from the basin, and slip away unnoticed. In the confusion following its disappearance, Nice joined the search. She had no intention of helping her neighbors reacquire their meal; Nice was an Eco-Scout, and she knew she had to save that turtle.
Organized and trained by ChildFund and its local partner in the Philippines province of Quezon, the Ecological Scouts, or Eco-Scouts, are young environmental advocates age 10 to 21. Cognizant of Quezon's rich and yet delicate ecology, ChildFund provides young people with training in biodiversity and environmental conservation techniques. Over the past two years, the Eco-Scouts have produced videos and materials to build understanding and support for environmental issues pertinent to Quezon.
Through her Eco-Scout training, Nice knew pawikans were endangered. She wondered, however, what one of these turtles would be doing so far inland, and in freshwater. She had to find it before the others did so she could explore the mystery further.
By sheer luck, Nice did find the turtle. She picked it up, and made a break for it, running past the tambays. When accosted over her precious cargo, Nice warned them of the steep penalties they would face under environmental protection laws if they harmed the turtle. Having that bit of legal knowledge from her Eco-Scout training came in handy. Her quick feet and equally quick wit got her home with the turtle. Not entirely sure what to do next, she reported the situation to her Eco-Scout trainer, ChildFund's Erwin Galido. He contacted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to arrange the turtle's turnover. Nice would have to babysit the reptile until the DENR arrived.
In the two days it took DENR reps to reach Nice's home, she'd taken a liking to her little guest, whom she named Pauie. Nice and her cousin Ken would forage for moss to feed Pauie. During one of their forays, Ken and Nice returned to discover that the intrepid turtle had escaped again, but they were quickly able to find her.
DENR representatives retrieved Pauie and took her to the neighboring town of Real. It was there they determined Pauie was not, in fact, a sea turtle, but an even rarer and more endangered species—the Cantor's giant softshell turtle (pelochelys cantorii). Unique to only a few Asian geographies, Cantor's softshell was last seen in the Philippines in 2001, in neighboring Isabela province. Regional sitings have been equally rare, with the last recorded sighting in Cambodia in 2003. The Cantor's softshell turtle lives in freshwater, spending most of its time burrowed motionless in mud.
The discovery of such a rare specimen, and its rescue from being stewed, was duly noted by the DENR, and official commendations for Nice are being scheduled.
Nice says she was only doing what she was trained to do as an Eco-Scout, supporting conservation and endangered species. Besides, she says, "You don't need to be an Eco-Scout to know you shouldn't eat them."
Reporting by ChildFund Philippines, ChildFund The Gambia and Lloyd McCormick, Global Youth Development & Livelihood Technical Advisor
Arnyline is 15 and lives in the Philippines. Saffiatou, 17, lives in The Gambia. What could they possibly have in common?
A few things, actually. They both live in extreme poverty. They are both involved in ChildFund's programs in their countries. Neither had ever traveled outside of their countries — until their recent, ChildFund-supported trip to Amsterdam.
What brought them there was another thing they have in common: their interest in the goals of Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI), an organization whose stated goal is to ensure that 100 million children and youth in 100 countries have financial access and education by 2015. Founded last year by social entrepreneur Jeroo Billimoria, who also founded the social and financial education nonprofit Aflatoun, CYFI has a simple, audacious vision: "We dream that all children have a safe place to save their money, and that they can manage that money on their own."
From April 2-4 in Amsterdam, the first-ever CYFI Summit brought 70 children and youth representing 40 countries together with international bankers and policy makers from around the globe. During the event, participants focused on the topic of financial inclusion and finance education for children and youth. Young people also met to voice their opinions for shaping the Child and Youth Finance Movement. They then brought their recommendations to the Summit, which included representatives from the United Nations; the central banks of Europe, the U.S., Africa, Asia; donors such as MasterCard, CitiBank and Levi Strauss; and international and local organizations. The youth engaged directly with these policy makers on a level footing and shared their views on financial issues that most matter to them.
Arnilyne and Saffiatou were among the 10 participants selected to present the young people's recommendations, which included the following:
"What excited me is that they care for children in the world, and they want all the children to have a better future," says Saffiatou. "My favorite part was the discussion on child finance as a subject in school."
Arnilyne also has a great interest in financial literacy education, but she's not sure how it could be added to her school curriculum. "We have no funds for it," she says. "I think it would be effective if trainings and activities are conducted for this."
She's particularly excited about the idea of a child-friendly banking system, which would give children access to banks and low-minimum initial deposits.
The two girls, who hail from the tropics, remarked on Holland's cold climate. But they also noted the warmth of the people they met there, which they both cite as common ground with their home countries.
"They care for children in the world," says Saffiatou, "and they want to see children as the good leaders of tomorrow."
Reporting by ChildFund Philippines
ChildFund Philippines, joining other organizations and stakeholders from the government, academe, and the development sector, is reaffirming its resolve to reduce child labor in sugarcane fields.
Child labor is pervasive in this largely agricultural nation. Children begin working in the sugarcane fields at an early age. They are exposed to scorching heat, dangerous chemicals and machetes.
ChildFund Philippines is one of six implementing agencies of ABK3 LEAP: Livelihoods, Education, Advocacy and Protection to Reduce Child Labor in Sugarcane. The four-year project, headed by World Vision Philippines, is being funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The other implementing partners are Educational Research and Development Assistance Foundation Inc., the Sugar Industry Foundation Inc., Community Economic Ventures Inc. and the University of the Philippines' Social Action and Research for Development Foundation Inc.
Launched Feb. 29, ABK3 LEAP aims to lift 52,000 children out of the unsafe labor conditions found in the cane fields. The project will provide education opportunities for children, sustainable livelihoods for their parents and youth employment services among other services across 11 provinces.
"The production of sugar generates significant income for the Philippines," says Gloria Steele, Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). "Yet, sadly, sugarcane farmers and their families make up some of the poorest households in this country. Even more sadly, it is not uncommon for the children in these households to start working in the cane fields as early as six years of age."
Katherine Manik, ChildFund Philippines national director notes that ChildFund has a long history in child protection programs. "ChildFund Philippines is privileged to have been part of the ABK initiative from its first project," she says. "Now on its third ABK project, ChildFund reaffirms its commitment to help these vulnerable children lead better lives."
by Martin Nanawa, ChildFund Philippines
Children in ChildFund Philippines' programs and a few of their school peers received a special treat last Sunday when David Archuleta made a surprise appearance at a ChildFund gathering held at a local school.
Children from the Teatro Bu-bot [arm-in-arm] Children's Advocacy Theater had prepared all week to mount their much-touted "Many Faces of Poverty" performance for ChildFund Philippines National Director Katherine Manik, and her unspecified guest.
Little did they know that the special guest would turn out to be none other than recording artist David Archuleta, who is in the Philippines filming a television miniseries.
Archuleta, now 21, who finished runner up in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008, teamed with ChildFund for his 2011 My Kind of Christmas tour. He is also sponsoring a child from Honduras, his mother's native country.
Archuleta has developed a large fan base in the Philippines since his American Idol debut and through his three previous visits to Manila. Filipinos are highly anticipating the upcoming miniseries Nandito Ako, starring Archuleta and local talents.
His unannounced appearance on Sunday caught the children by surprise. Thrilled and starstruck, the children quickly recovered to deliver the program they'd prepared.
Archuleta fell silent during the troupe's simple performance, which the children themselves conceptualized, articulating the different faces that poverty and disadvantage assumes in their community. The 10-minute skit is wordless, preferring to describe exploitation, vice and neglect through music, movement and expressive dance.
Masks partially obscure each of their faces as they depict society's fevers, which are shed finally through the expression of children's growing cognizance and assertion of their rights and responsibilities. The skit illustrates how children, their community and ChildFund help foster an environment conducive to the totality of each child's life and identity.
Moved by the performance that he described as "amazing" and "powerful," Archuleta took the floor in turn, regaling the children with an a capella rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water," followed by an encore of Robbie Williams' "Angels."
Archuleta then spent time meeting the children in small groups. Though he currently sponsors a child in Honduras, Sunday's gathering was the first time Archuleta had the opportunity to interact with children in ChildFund's programs.
The theater troupe, sponsored children and even the school's marching band had time to ask Archuleta questions and share stories of what sponsorship means to them.
With translation assistance by ChildFund Philippines Program Director Mark Dasco, sponsored children told Archuleta: "Please help us share the privilege of sponsorship with others, by inviting more people to sponsor [children]."
As the event came to an end, many children said they would long remember this exciting day. As he departed, Archuleta expressed his happiness at meeting the children: "Gosh, I feel so good today! Thank you so much for this experience!"


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J. Cole J. Cole is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
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Samuel appears in the 1860 census, Woodward, Clinton county, as Keffer.
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In 1880 (Keefer) Frederick is 4 and Sallie (Sarah Ellen) is 11 months.
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The term "toolbox" refers to someone who is such a tool that his supreme stupidity is on the level of what you'd expect from a collaboration of several tools. When someone is this many tools in one, he is a toolbox.
He said his Honda had a V8 and ran 5's... what a toolbox!
by TurboDC4 November 27, 2005
A person of little social value. aka Doug Lee.
Doug Lee is the world's biggest toolbox.
by 2+2 NVG Forum June 08, 2011
more toolish than just a tool, but not quite as toolish as an entire toolshed
ur such a fucking toolbox
by kamakaze687 March 04, 2004
Derogatory term for a Scion xB because of the ugly box-like shape of the car and the type of people who generally drive them: tools.
Damn it R.J., you are such a tool so go get in your tool box and drive the fuck out of here.
by Poolside Becky May 02, 2008


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Keystone Condo Rental Photos and Description
Condo, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath, (Sleeps 4-5)
Buffalo Lodge, 8326
You've arrived and are ready to relax. This cozy, nicely furnished 1 bedroom unit is centrally located to all River Run has to offer. After a long day on the slopes or a summer bike ride, soak in 1 of the 2 hot tubs, then open a bottle of wine and enjoy the balcony with mountain views or warm up by the gas fireplace on a snowy day. There is a large flat screen TV for those that prefer to remain in the condo and watch their favorite program. If you are traveling with extra guests, there is a sleeper sofa for your convenience. We provide sheets and there are extra blankets in the closet. For the cook in the family, there is a fully stocked kitchen. If grilling is your thing, there is a common area BBQ grill managed by the HOA near the hot tubs. The bedroom features a brand new KING bed with luxurious bedding and cable TV. The bathroom is stocked with plenty of linens and an initial supply of soap, shampoo and toiletries to begin your stay. If you need to do laundry, there are coin operated washers and dryers in the building. Buffalo Lodge has free internet. There are ski lockers on the first floor and if pool is your game, there are 2 pool tables located in the lobby of the building. If you feel you need to spread out, there is a VERY large flat screen TV and couches in the lobby as well.
A short walk (150 yards) allows for easy access to the high-speed, 8 person gondola, You are also steps from restaurants, shops, ski rental facilities, and a small grocery store.
Buffalo Lodge was completed in the late 90's and is one of the more exclusive buildings in the resort. This means there is less congestion in the building during busy times and all units are a short walk from the elevator. There are two high speed elevators that service only 90 units. Enjoy no hassle parking in the heated parking garage under the building. Laundry facilities are located on both the first and fifth floor. After a day of activities, come back to the exclusive BUFFALO CLUB located on the ground floor of Buffalo Lodge and enjoy the hot tubs, pool tables, or enjoy a good book in one of several sitting areas. Our guests also have exclusive access to the heated swimming pool and sauna at the adjoining Dakota Lodge.
All of our discounts are listed on our website. All discounts and services are provided by local independent businesses. No huge corporate markups!
1. 25% discount on all ski rentals and 1 FREE kids ski rental with an adult rental!
2. 20% discount on Door to Door VIP ski rentals
3. 35% discount on ground transportation from the airport
4. 10% discount on bike rentals and bike trips, white water rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, spa services and sleigh rides.
5. $10 off snowmobiling
The NUMBER ONE QUESTION we get is "Do you offer discounted lift tickets?" We do not and the reason is this: As long as you do not buy your ticket at the ticket window, ALL the discounts are the same. Do yourself a favor and stop at the kiosk at the grocery store or go to LIFTOPIA.COM and buy your tickets. We do not offer tickets because we cannot offer a better value than you can easily get using one of these options.
You might have heard of a gimmick called "Kids Ski Free" from the big corporate outfit. There are very few instances that this deal actually makes sense. Why pay twice as much for your accommodations and a $15 per day "amenities fee" to save $45 on a kids ski pass. Don't take our word for it. Do the math and it will be obvious that "Kids Ski Free" is not a deal at all!
We are the personal property manager of the owner. We are a local family owned business.
Conventional wisdom says that you get a better deal if there is no manager involved. This is largely untrue in a high mountain environment like ours. Either the owner is using a management service on the side and ultimately building this cost into the rate or they are leaving everything to chance. Little problems are a BIG deal at 9,000 feet above sea level and in subzero temps. We are there if you lose your key. Being locked out of your condo in sub-zero temps is no fun. This is not a scare tactic. Every year we help several hundred guests with lock-out problems.
If you like to look for deals, then help us stay current with our deals. We will pay you to do your research. If you find a better deal on a comparable property, then provide us with clear evidence and we will beat the deal by 10%.
Our rates are as good as the best you will find. You are gaining peace of mind and losing nothing. Your vacation is meant to be enjoyed. We are here to make your experience hassle free.
We are required by law to charge tax on your stay.
We want to be clear, taxes and cleaning fees are not included in the posted rates. We will send you a quote with the breakdown of all costs, so you can see EXACTLY what you are paying.
Many of our competitors build their fees into their rate. This means that YOU are PENALIZED every day you stay with them because you keep paying for the same service over and over again.
Please make an apples to apples comparison. If you present us with a legitimate and comparable quote from someone else, we will beat it by 10%.
Keystone is the premier destination for various events, festivals and one-of-a-kind attractions. These include things such as Mardi Gras, Wine Festival, Beer and Blues Festival, Full Production Concerts, Discovery Days for kids, Art Shows, a real ice castle at the top of the mountain for kids and adults to explore, panning for gold, bungie jumping, and much more. Additionally, you can enjoy Mine Tours, Historical Bus Tours, ATV tours, Four-wheel drive tours, Snowmobiling, horseback riding and sleigh rides. Check out our website for more details on events taking place during your vacation.
Activities include championship golfing (2 courses in Keystone), Mountain biking (down, not up), Wild Life Tours, the best hiking in North America, White Water Rafting, Fly Fishing, and boating, just to name a few. There also Keystone festivals almost every weekend during the summer.
Keywords: Walk to the Lift, Ski Slope Views, River Run Village
- Suitability:
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- children welcome
- limited accessibility
- non smoking only
- pets not allowed
About Summit County Mountain Retreats
We want everyone to enjoy their special mountain vacation as much as we do. That is why we work with Summit County Mountain Retreats to take care of our guests needs. You get the best of both worlds here. You don't have to pay the exorbitant prices that the resort charges, but you get all the service you would expect when on vacation. It is a Win-Win.
Why Summit County Mountain Retreats chose Keystone
Located in the heart of River Run, our condo is in the newest part of Keystone and just a couple of minutes walk to the high speed gondola.


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Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neuromuscular DiseasesTaylor and Francis 2014; US$ 120.00
Here is a thoughtful new book for professionals who assist persons afflicted with neuromuscular disorders to help them and their families adapt to lifestyle changes accompanying the onset of these disorders. Health care professionals provide strategies to maintain the psychosocial well-being of children and adults with neuromuscular disorders which,... more...
Schmerzlinderung durch Triggerpunkt-TherapieJunfermann Verlag 2014; US$ 36.13
Ein Leben mit Schmerzen? ? Das muss nicht sein! Hunderte von Menschen, die unter Schmerzen litten und von anderen �rzten keine eindeutige Diagnose erhalten konnten, hat Valerie Delaune bereits erfolgreich behandelt. Mit der Triggerpunkt-Therapie hat sie ihren Patienten auf schonende und nicht medikament�se Weise geholfen. In diesem Buch gibt die Akupunkteurin... more...
The Complete Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure NaturallySt. Martin's Press 2014; US$ 8.99
I have high blood pressure?should I be worried? How can I prevent the health risks associated with it? Can I lower my blood pressure through diet and lifestyle changes? Are there alternatives or complements to prescription medications? How do I manage stress and hypertension?naturally? ? THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO LOWERING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE... more...
Pain ManagementSpringer 2014; US$ 79.99
Pain management is a vast subject and is changing rapidly. Finding a good resource for learning, however, is difficult. This book covers the entire curriculum relating to pain management and will make it easy to learn all aspects of the subject by covering key concepts in a reader-friendly manner. It comprises nine concise and simple chapters that... more...
Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and DisabilitiesTaylor and Francis 2014; US$ 60.95
Understand gay men?s unique health issues beyond the incomplete focus of HIV to include the concerns of those living with a broad range of chronic illnesses and disabilities Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities: From Crisis to Crossroads is the groundbreaking book that comprehensively examines and forms strategies to respond to the... more...
Voices in Disability and Spirituality from the Land Down UnderTaylor and Francis 2014; US$ 54.95
An excellent source of information and ideas on the relationship between disability and spirituality�and how to improve it This one-of-a-kind collection explores the relationship between spirituality and disability from a variety of Australian religious and spiritual viewpoints. Authors from a wide range of backgrounds�some with disabilities, some... more...
Women With DisabilitiesTaylor and Francis 2014; US$ 62.95
Here is a powerful stimulus for thought, discussion, and coalition building in the area of women and disability. This innovative book was written by women with disabilities and women professionals who work with persons with disabilities. Women With Disabilities covers many concerns about life with a disability and issues related to disability and psychotherapy.... more...
Clinical Anatomy of the Cranial NervesElsevier Science 2014; US$ 69.95
Clinical Anatomy of the Cranial Nerves combines anatomical knowledge, pathology, clinical examination, and explanation of clinical findings, drawing together material typically scattered throughout anatomical textbooks. All of the pertinent anatomical topics are conveniently organized to instruct on anatomy, but also on how to examine the functioning... more...
Queer CripsTaylor and Francis 2014; US$ 43.95
Get an inside perspective on life as a disabled gay man! Queer Crips: Disabled Gay Men and Their Stories reverberates with the sound of �cripgay� voices rising to be heard above the din of indifference and bias, oppression and ignorance. This unique collection of compelling first-person narratives is at once assertive, bold, and groundbreaking,... more...
Group Work With the Emotionally DisabledTaylor and Francis 2014; US$ 50.00
Here is an exciting and informative volume on the use of social group work in psychiatric settings. As it affirms the significance of social group work?s clinical potential, Group Work With the Emotionally Disabled fosters further development in this highly specialized area of human service. Baruch Levine, a prestigious social group worker and clinical... more...


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STAGE TUBE: SMASH's Megan Hilty Performs at Lord & Taylor Holiday Celebration
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Lord & Taylor unveiled its 75th annual holiday windows yesterday, November 13th, 2012 with performances along Fifth Avenue by Megan Hilty, star of NBC's SMASH, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City. Check out the appearance below!
Hilty performed two traditional holiday songs, followed by an in-store appearance where she met with customers and signed copies of "The Music of Smash" CD. The Young People's Chorus of New York City also performed traditional holiday songs.
This year's holiday windows mark the 75th year of smiles, laughter, joy, and magic; celebrating the precious, worldwide tradition of spending holidays with those you love. Sharing the story of Santa Claus on his day off, traveling around the world to discover global holiday traditions, the windows are inspired by picturesque locations during the holidays and the customs celebrated among friends and family worldwide.
About Author
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