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When "Divergent" hit theaters to the tune of $56 million in its opening weekend alone, it put a nice fat sock in the mouth holes of every critic who'd bemoaned the "curse" of adapting YA books for the screen. And for one, Pouya Shahbazian was not surprised.
Shahbazian, a producer on "Divergent," has a unique perspective that comes from not just adapting books, but writing them. With his new YA sci-novel, "Scan," about to be released, and with a host of hotly-anticipated YA projects coming to theaters this year, MTV News emailed the multitalented author and producer — who writes under the pen name Walter Jury — to give us some inside scoop on his upcoming novel with co-author Sarah Fine, the growing popularity of YA sci-fi, and the books he's most looking forward to seeing on screen.
Although "SCAN" doesn't have a movie deal yet, it's practically begging to be brought to Hollywood: there are zany gadgets, secret aliens, thrilling action sequences, and an amazing hero in the form of Tate, a Macgyver-esque teenage smartypants who has been unknowingly training his entire life to save the world from intergalactic war.
Shahbazian describes his protagonist as having, "a polished skill set and discipline akin to Jason Bourne, but in a teenager's body." In other words, a brilliant trained assassin whose only weakness is that he's also a walking bag of hormones.
When the book hits shelves, it'll be the latest entry into a blooming field of YA sci-fi titles: coming alongside "Grasshopper Jungle" (in which a man-made virus transforms afflicted humans into giant, horny preying mantises), and "The 5th Wave," which follows the aftermath of an alien invasion that wipes out 99% of Earth's population. In "SCAN," there's an added twist to its extraterrestrial conflict — a population of aliens living on earth who don't actually know that they're aliens.
Is the sudden shift toward sci-fi a natural evolution for audiences who are weary of supernatural romance and fatigued by dystopian dramas? Partly, says Shahbazian, who notes that, "dystopia definitely had its moment, and that led to many incarnations of the genre being explored."
But when it comes to what gets hot — and what goes to Hollywood — he points out that one thing ties all these books together, and it's not a particular plotline.
"Producers and filmmakers and studio executives are doing their best to make a great film that both book fans and non-fans will love," Shahbazian explained. But at the start, "[these movies] are being made because the readership is so passionate that it justifies the large investment."
"That is where it starts in my opinion: great books (and movies) draw big audiences. Whether it's 'The Fault in Our Stars' or 'The 5th Wave,' readers are very discerning, and they are drawn to the best of what is currently out there."
And in the author's opinion as both a literary expert and a Hollywood insider, there's a lot out there that's the best; when we asked what was on his must-see list, he mentioned everything from "If I Stay" to "The Maze Runner" to "The Giver." And we're extra pumped now for "The 5th Wave," which he says he's especially excited for.
"That, I'm very much looking forward to — not only because I love the casting of Chloe Moretz (brilliant!) and one of my friends is producing it (Matthew Plouffe), but I think it will make a great movie."
"Scan," Shahbazian's book with co-author Sarah Fine, will be in stores May 1.


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- Location:
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Pony Party (25 photos)
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We recently hosted our daughter 3rd birthday in our little backyard. What little girl doesn't love ponies so this was her theme for this year's get together; it also happened to be the same day as the Kentucky Derby.
The afternoon started with pony rides (they brought a donkey and some bunnies too!), followed by our annual duck race at the little lake near our house. After that a Pony Fairy hide some tiny horses in our backyard for all the kids to find. All the kids received a stick pony that my mom and I spent several hours making leading up to the party, we were very happy with how they turned out and the kiddos seemed to love them and will now have a handmade toy to bring home and hopefully play with for many years.
Dinner consisted of barbecue that included, potatoes salad, coleslaw, corn muffins, watermelon, sausage and a bourbon based pork loin for the adults in honor of the Kentucky Derby. We also drew numbers to cheer for the race and the winner received a trophy and a lottery ticket.
The make your own "Trail Mix" station was a hit, along with the lemonade stand and our dessert bar consisted of a pink raspberry cake with pink buttercream icing; chocolate, lemon and vanilla cupcakes, carrot cake in a jar, apple pie pops and some pony sugar cookies sporting a number 3 saddle.

subset: commoncrawl


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A 240 page photo album from New Mexico and Arizona, featuring Roswell, Santa Fe, Acoma Pueblo, and Canyon de Chelly. This is a family photo album, so there are many photographs of family members, and the book would have limited appeal to persons who are not our friends or family.
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Summer 2009 Trip to the Southwest Published November 28, 2009
The Beauty of Taiwan Published September 22, 2007
Our visit to Japan Published September 16, 2007
Taiwan Summer, 2007 Published August 14, 2007
Macau, Hong Kong, and Tokyo Published August 12, 2007
Visit to Kaohsiung Published July 25, 2007
Summer 2005 Cross-Country Published May 18, 2007
Springtime Published May 17, 2007


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We proudly offer a variety of specialty market products to meet your clients needs. Whether you are trying to place a new venture, find better coverage for an eMore
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For the past year, diners have been raving about Chef Tim Graham's cuisine at Travelle. The highly acclaimed restaurant at the Langham Chicago is celebrating its first anniversary. For the birthday celebration, Chef Graham is presenting a special menu for the occasion.
Beginning Sunday, August 24 through Saturday, August 30, Chef Tim Graham invites diners to enjoy a selection of Travelle's greatest hits since its opening in August 2013.
"We've been incredibly fortunate for the success of Travelle throughout the past year," Executive Chef Tim Graham said. "Celebrating the restaurant's first birthday is a great opportunity to show appreciation for our dedicated diners, as well as those looking to experience our signature dishes for the first time."
The Mediterranean-inspired specialty menu, priced at $75 per person, features a variety of three family-style starters, followed by three courses and a dessert. Travelle's exclusive anniversary menu includes:
Family Style Starters
Snapper Crudo
white anchovy, za'atar
Eggplant Liguria
grilled miche
Saganaki Chicken Wings
harissa aioli, chiles, honey
First Course
White Gazpacho
almonds, grapes
Second Course
Roasted Char
spinach, walnut, tangerine vinaigrette
Third Course
Wild Boar Ragu
tortiglione, cerignola olives
Grapefruit Pithivier
honey ice cream
Interested guests looking to experience the anniversary menu are encouraged to secure reservations by visiting TravelleChicago.com or calling 312-923-7705.
A play on the word travel, Travelle is a casually elegant restaurant, lounge and bar which feature Chef Tim Graham's contemporary interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes feature flavors from France, Italy, Spain, Greece and beyond while all items are sourced from the best local and artisan ingredients. Alongside a carefully curated 1600-bottle wine list, Travelle boasts a beverage program that highlights skillfully-crafted classic cocktails. Influenced by the romance of the digital age, architect/designer David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group creates a modern environment that conveys history, sophistication and nostalgia into the 124-seat restaurant and 81-seat bar and lounge that overlook the Chicago skyline and river. Located at 330 North Wabash, Travelle is open seven days a week for breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. For reservations or more information, please visit www.travellechicago.com or call 312-923-9988.


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Divine inspiration
CLU students rework biblical satire
By Jenny Lower 10/06/2011
In the beginning, before Trey Parker and Matt Stone penned their scorching religious satire The Book of Mormon, there was a three-man comedy improv troupe from California known for compressing ponderous, serious subjects into snappy, hilarious takedowns. Before Parker and Stone had HIV-infected Ugandans shaking their fists at the Lord, the Reduced Shakespeare Company presented the Lord himself, demanding that Abraham hand over certain protective tissue. After all, what else was God going to stitch his wallet out of?
As many years old as Jesus had apostles, the Company's The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) may already seem tame in a post-South Park world, but California Lutheran University students are making it new again with an updated Black Box Theatre production. The show runs one weekend only, from Oct. 13 to 16.
The Black Box series is a student-run and directed theater cycle on campus. In the past, selections have dealt with topics like suicide and teenage homosexuality. Later this season, they'll perform Tennessee Williams' one-act Suddenly Last Summer.
The show marks the first full-length production directing opportunity for Martin Gonzalez, 21, a junior, who has done theater his whole life. He split up the lines to accommodate five actors, including two women, one of whom (junior Bryana Gable) plays Jesus. Gonzalez also undertook the huge task of updating the script, which calls for jokes to be modernized according to current pop culture.
That process meant drawing on his actors' sense of humor, inserting allusions to Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. The cast also did improv exercises like running through the entire show without a script to warm up for their roles. As a result, "it's going to be a different show every night," says Will Cowles Meyer, 18, who plays Abraham and one of the three wise men.
Cooper Smith, 18, has performed since elementary school and previously had a stint doing improv at the Laguna Playhouse. The freshman plays the majority of the female roles, including Eve and Salome, the Old Testament seductress who ordered John the Baptist's head on a platter.
"It's not really a plea for attention," Smith says, to chuckles from his castmates. "I actually try to play the characters and not just get cheap laughs out of them."
The play runs about an hour and a half and covers classic Old Testament stories familiar to most secular audiences, such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, David and Goliath, and Noah's ark. But when it came to inserting new gags, perhaps the biggest struggle was knowing how far to take it.
CLU is a private religious school with a dry campus and voluntary weekly chapel. Some students involved with the production call themselves religious; others do not. Michael Arndt, chair of the theatre arts department and the production's faculty advisor, said the administration exerted no control over the show's content or feel.
"I encouraged the students to explore the script in ways that make it relevant to their own generation. They acted as their own censors," Arndt says. "We have never shied away from controversial plays if they had content that created intellectual discourse. Hopefully this production will contribute to that dialogue."
Smith says that while the play does include some occasional "whoa, there" language, most of it constitutes "valid satire." Everyone has invited their parents, and a few are even flying in for the occasion.
No one seems to be fretting over what Mom and Dad will think, but then again, Cowles Meyer says, "I think it's going to surprise a lot of people."
The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) wil run, Oct. 13–16 at the Black Box Studio Theatre at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. For information, call 805-493-3415
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- Partnership agreement with All Nippon Airlines
- Turkish Airlines continues to add more flights
- Istanbul-Sinop flights get under way
- Turkish Airlines offers Istanbul tour for transit passengers
- Foundation laid for Turkish Airlines Engine Maintenance Center
- Turkish Airlines opens Amasya-Merzifon Airport
Foundation laid for Turkish Airlines Engine Maintenance Center
The foundation has been laid for the Turkey Engine Maintenance Center, to be founded in a partnership between Pratt&Whitney, one of the world's leading producers of aircraft engines, and Turkish Airlines as part of its 'Habom Project'.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Turkish Technic Inc. President İsmail Demir said, "The opening in Turkey of such a facility in a branch like airplane engines which utilizes the latest technology is a very important step."
Demir added, "Our purpose is to have one of the best known and most competitive engine maintenance centers in the world." Pratt&Whitney Vice-President and Global Services Partner president James Keenan said that one of the world's leading and most environmentally friendly engine maintenance centers was going to be founded in Istanbul, capable of maintaining 200 engines a year when it reached full capacity and employing largely experienced Turkish Technic personnel. Added Keenan, "The center is going to make use of solar energy, and we are therefore going to create a low energy consumption, high performance center. The Turkey Engine Maintenance Center is slated to open in the coming year.


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License plate camera helps nab Longboat Key bicycle thief
- WWSB ABC 7 Tampa, FL
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License plate camera helps nab Longboat Key bicycle thief
As featured on
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. -- Longboat Key Police say they arrested a man suspected of stealing doze…
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Nov. 15, 1999
at No. 15/No. 14 USC - Nov. 19, 1999 - Los Angeles, CA/North Gym
Having clinched UCLA's best Pac-10 record since the 1994 squad finished 16-2, the Bruins now have their sights set on the team's first Pac-10 title since the 1993 team went undefeated in conference play. A win Friday at cross-town rival USC will guarantee that the Bruins finish no worse than co-champions with Stanford.
The UCLA-USC series stands 47-35 in the Bruins favor, and UCLA holds a 16-11 advantage when playing at USC, and a 26-22 advantage away from home, a mark that includes 21 neutral-site matches. Friday's tangle is scheduled for 6 p.m. at USC's North Gym.
This Week's Schedule - November 15-21
The Bruins play their final Pac-10 Conference match of the 1999 season this Friday, as they travel to cross-town rival USC for a 6 p.m. matchup with the Women of Troy. The match will be available on broadcast.com with Lou Riggs and Michael Sondheimer calling the action.
Fri. Nov. 19 at USC (#15/14) Los Angeles, CA 6:00 p.m. PTUCLA Quick Facts
1999 Overall Record: 24-2 1999 Pac-10 Record: 16-1 Ranking: 6th, AVCA/USA Today 6th, Volleyball Magazine Head Coach: Andy Banachowski Career Record: 869-202 (33rd season) Website: www.uclabruins.comUCLA Clinches Best Pac-10 Record Since 1994 With Sweep
Victories against the two Oregon schools last weekend brought UCLA's Pac-10 record to 16-1 on the season, guaranteeing the school's best conference record since the 1994 NCAA runner-up team finished 16-2 in the Pac-10. The week started off with a quick victory over Oregon, 15-0, 15-4, 15-2. The Ducks hit just -.081 in the match, to the Bruins' .556. Had UCLA's hitting percentage been just .001 higher, it would have tied the fifth-best mark in Pac-10 history.
The following night was senior night, and senior OH Lyn Embree took advantage of the occasion. Playing for the first time since tearing her achiles tendon last spring, Embree started the match and posted 10 kills, four digs and two block assists in two games on the floor. Sophomore Kristee Porter led all players with 16 kills, while three Bruins, Ashley Bowles, Michelle Quon and Erika Selsor, finished with double-figure digs at 14, 11 and 10, respectively. Head Coach Andy Banachowski
In his 33rd season on the Bruin bench, UCLA head coach Andy Banachowski remains one of the top coaches in his profession. On Oct. 24, 1997, he was the first women's volleyball coach to be inducted into the National Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, MA, and was the first women's coach in history to record 800 career wins (869-202, 33rd year). The only other collegiate volleyball coach, men's or women's, with more career wins than Banachowski is UCLA men's coach Al Scates, who notched career victory number 900 during the 1997 season. Banachowski played under Scates at UCLA and also got his start in coaching with Scates. Under Banachowski's leadership, the Bruins have won six national championships, including three NCAA titles. Career Updates
Many Bruins are busy moving up on the school's career lists this season. Kristee Porter became the second-fastest person in NCAA history and 16th Bruin to record 1,000 career kills, doing so in her 50th career match. Her 1,058 kills (as of 11/15) is 15th in Bruin history and is third among the Pac-10's active players. Junior middle blocker Elisabeth Bachman is now ranked in all three career block categories with 79 block solos (6th), 418 total blocks (7th) and 339 block assists (7th). Among active Pac-10 players, she ranks second behind Stanford's Kerri Walsh (454 TB). With 2,687 career assists, sophomore setter Erika Selsor ranks second on the Pac-10 list of active setters, and fifth in Bruin history.
Pac-10 Title Tiebreakers
UCLA is still in a position to capture its first Pac-10 title since 1993, despite the team's loss at Stanford. Should the Bruins and Cardinal both finish at 17-1, co-champions will be declared, and Pac-10 tiebreakers will be utilized only to decide which team receives the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Tiebreakers for the automatic berth are as follows, with the Stanford-UCLA implications in parentheses: 1) head-to-head competition in the conference (tied), 2) most games won head-to-head in conference matches (tied), 3) team with highest for-against ratio of points in head-to-head competition (Stanford leads 89-86).
Bruins Lead Four Pac-10 Individual Statistical Categories
Four Bruins have accumulated season totals that are Pac-10 bests. Bachman is just shy of holding two of the conference's top spots, leading the way in hitting percentage (.422) and just .01 out of first in blocks (1.35 per game). Two other Bruins, Tamika Johnson (.398) and Kristee Porter (.304) rank second and eighth in hitting percentage, respectively. Among conference setters, UCLA's Erika Selsor is the best, averaging 13.57 assists/game. It should be no surprise that Kristee Porter leads the conference in kills per game with a 5.22 average. She is the only player in the conference averaging over 5.00 kills/game. As a team, the Bruins are tops in assists (115.72/gm), kills (17.24/gm), and won-lost percentage (.941 Pac-10, .923 overall). Opposing Hitting Percentage Bottoms Out
Since the team's first weekend of play, UCLA has held 21 opponents to a team hitting percentage under .200, and are responsible for three of the Pac-10's top-five hitting percentages this season. Three times, against Idaho State at the Pioneer Classic , on Oct. 1 at Washington State, and last Thursday against Oregon, opposing teams have finished the match with a negative team hitting percentage. In all, the Bruins have held 22 of 26 opponents (including the opponents in 15 of 17 Pac-10 matches) under .200, and 12 teams have been held under .100. Five teams have hit .200 against the Bruins: Minnesota (.237), Hawaii (.240) and Arizona (.220 on Oct. 22), while Stanford (11/5) is the only team to hit over .300, posting a mark of .340 in the Cardinal's Nov. 5 victory.
Setting Everyone Up
Sophomore setter Erika Selsor started the 1999 season ranked eighth in Bruin history with 1,506 career assists. Since then, she has added 1,138 to her total and currently ranks fifth on UCLA's all-time career list with 2,687 to her credit. With 72 assists at Arizona on Oct. 22, Selsor set a new UCLA standard with her seventh career match with 70 assists or more, breaking the previous record held by Ann Boyer (1985-88) and her predecessor, Kim Coleman (1994-97). Bowles Playing Double Role
Sophomore Ashley Bowles has spent much of the season at opposite hitter, and has set for the Bruins at the end of numerous matches. Her setting experience paid off for the Bruins in the key match on Oct. 22 at Arizona. With regular setter Erika Selsor in the front row in game five, Banachowski was able to replace Selsor with middle blocker Angela Eckmier, giving UCLA a better blocking weapon in the front row. Bowles was the only setter on the floor for seven rallies in game five, and finished the match with eight assists.
Five-Game Match Notes
There are several similarities between UCLA's five game victories over Minnesota (Sept. 5) and Arizona (Oct. 22). The most interesting coincidence is probably that the Bruins faced a match point in both matches at 14-10. On Sept. 5, the key moment was in game three, when the Gophers had apparently won the match before an overturned call gave UCLA new life. They eventually won game three 16-14, and posted victories in games four and five to win the match. On Friday at Arizona, the Bruins were again down 14-10, facing match point to the Wildcats. Arizona served for the match three times before UCLA rallied to a 16-14 game four win, eventually winning the fifth and deciding game, 15-13.
Porter Points
Kristee Porter has 449 kills through 26 matches, 161 more than the next closest Bruin (Ashley Bowles) ... Porter's 36 kills at Arizona is the top total by a Pac-10 player this season ... She has two 30-kill matches this season (tops in Pac-10) and six for her career, tying Natalie Williams and Liz Masakayan for the career lead in that category ... She is also ranked 12th in the most recent available NCAA statistics (11/7) with a 5.30 kills per game average ... Despite being only a sophomore, Porter ranks third on the Pac-10's list of active career kill leaders (1,058 kills), behind Stanford senior Kerri Walsh (1,462) and Washington senior Kristina Laffling (1,233).
Missing Match?
Yes, the Bruins did play one less match than originally scheduled at the Kent Invitational. Due to the remnants of Hurricane Floyd, UCLA's Friday evening opponent, Seton Hall, was unable to leave South Orange, N.J., and was forced to cancel its trip to Northeast Ohio. Kent and Cincinnati made up for the lost match by facing off twice in tourney play, once in the originally-scheduled match on Friday (a 3-1 Cincinnati victory) and an additional match on Saturday (3-0 Cincinnati).
Roster Update
UCLA sophomore reserve setter Jackie Levin has left the team for personal reasons. She had not seen any game action for the Bruins in her two years on the team.
With a 16-1 Pac-10 record, UCLA is assured of its best Pac-10 record since the 1994 season, when the Bruins lost in the NCAA Championship match to Stanford. ... Setter Erika Selsor and Porter are tied for the team lead in service aces with 22, just one ahead of Ashley Bowles ... Only three Bruins have played in every game of the season: Selsor and defensive specialists Michelle Quon and Stacy Millichap ... Quon is the only current Bruin with 600 or more career digs, ranking seventh among active Pac-10 players with 697 ... Either Bachman or Bowles will be the next Bruin to reach 1,000 kills. Both rank among Pac-10 top active players with 813 (7th) and 779 kills (10th), respectively ... UCLA is averaging just under five kills/game more than their opponents (17.2-12.3) and are out-blocking (2-8-2.0) and out-digging (15.1-12.9) their opponents on average.


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May it be full of Champagne, lakeside playtime, and white denim.
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How to Shop Fort Worth's West 7th DistrictLonesome Dove's first lady, Emilie Love, leads the way in a more refined Wild West.
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How to Shop the Dallas Design DistrictHeather Wiese Alexander offers her guide to some of the city's finest home stores, gallery spaces, and restaurants.
How to Shop Plaza at Preston CenterJeweler Joanne Teichman is right at home in this hot retail area.
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Triad Local Schools: Successful learning today…productive living tomorrow
Triad Local Schools will:
Provide a safe, non-threatening learning environment Provide access to rigorous
curriculum through differentiated instruction.
Provide opportunities for social development Develop the ability to problem solve
individually and cooperatively.
Equip students with the skills and strategies to achieve their potential
We need parents to help us! We currently have more staff then parents active in PTA and would love more parent involvement!
President – Lois Monroe
Vice President – Ashley Cozad
Treasurer – Meredith Ford
Secretary – Abby Gilpin
Elementary Building Representative – Karen Herndon
Middle School Building Representative – Melissa Scoville
High School Building Representative – Michelle McConnell
Campbell's Soup Labels, Box Tops for Education – Janet Beckley
Contact us!
Friend us on Facebook – Triad PTA-Parent Teacher Association
Follow the PTA link on the Triad Local School District homepage at www.triad.k12.oh.us


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If you're looking to expand your operation's services and reduce technology costs and complexity, you should research and select the best cloud options, or combination of options, for your needs. Detailed suggestions and checklists for selecting a service can be found on the websites of most providers. A couple of things to consider are:
Type of cloud. Typically, individual users access a public cloud that's available to the general population. An operation that has already invested in computing resources might create a private cloud within their own data center to use existing resources, retain system flexibility, and control security policies.
The drawback of a private cloud is that the burden of management and support stays with the organization. A more logical approach may be a hybrid cloud, which is a combination of both a public and private cloud. Prices can vary among cloud types, so be sure to look into costs based on the cloud model you need.
Data security. If you choose to out-source, trusting your cloud supplier is critical. Know your organization's security requirements and make sure the service provider can meet them. Also find out if the cloud provider is in compliance with one or more of the following industry standards for data security:
Like any technology, cloud computing has its disadvantages, one of which is that you depend on a third party for data security. Cloud providers usually offer excellent security, but the data is still overseen by the vendor rather than the organization itself.
Determine who will have access to the data and on which devices it will be stored. Will it be archived? Look at the provider's server capability and uptime record. How does it manage and back up data, and what is its strategy for redundancy so you have round-the-clock access to your data if a cloud server goes down? Also ask about the provider's disaster recovery plan.
Since cloud services are accessed via Web browsers, be sure and check your browser compatibility for proper display, function, and interaction among the various devices you use. Don't forget wireless coverage and dead zones.
— Joyce Tam is director of product marketing for Trimble's Field Service Management group (www.trimble.com/fsm).
Checklists to help you choose a cloud service provider
From Hewlett-Packard's hp.com blogger Judy Redman.
From Gartner's principal analyst Diptarup Chakraborti, as told to SearchCIO.IN's Snigdha Karjatkar.
Where does my data live?
Despite the ease of use that cloud computing provides, regulations are growing in the U.K. and Europe as to where you are allowed to keep your data. It's important to develop a global strategy to account for regulations and data security and integrity.
Certifications and compliance
Regulatory compliance standards for cloud service providers.
Private vs. public? The following links can help you determine general costs of clouds.
Wikibon co-founder and CTO David Floyer explains why a private cloud may be more cost-effective than a public cloud for larger organizations. Wikibon is an online community for IT managers.
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Workaround is found for GCHQ cracking challenge
Yes we can crack it
THE CRACKING challenge being run by the government to recruit spies is looking more and more ridiculous the more closely we look at it.
Yesterday we and the rest of the internet took the competition at face value, and assumed wrongly that this was the sort of sophisticated cipher that would keep Dan Brown up all night hunched over his desk.
Was it, though? Well it looked like a fairly amateur affair, with loosely set up credentials and no encryption whatsoever, meaning that anyone that used it would have opened themselves up to spooking and spying themselves. Not cool, and not very professional.
So shoddy does the set up look that we asked GCHQ if this was a hoax. "I can confirm that the GCHQ Recruitment Code Cracking Challenge and the associated canyoucrackit.co.uk website are not hoaxes. They are an innovative way of engaging with our target audience," came the reply from a GCHQ spokeswoman.
Well, whatever. What can you say? Maybe the proof of the challenge's credentials is in the code itself, surely that's so complex that only a few brainy souls will crack it and qualify to apply for a job at the agency. No, no, no and no.
We found the solution today in a tweet from @Hex000101, who appears to be a member of the notorious hackers Team Poison. "I cracked it :) ->", he tweeted, before posting the link to his winner's notification, "canyoucrackit.co.uk/soyoudidit.asp."
We clicked that link and were taken to the same congratulatory web page. Then, we visited the main canyoucrackit.co.uk web site and entered /soyoudidit.asp after the URL. Again we were taken to the congratulations page.
This, even to people who struggle to open tins of tuna, was seen as a rather too simplistic solution to what was thought to be a very tough challenge indeed.
We have asked GCHQ whether adding /soyoudidit.asp to the end of the URL is the real solution to the puzzle or just an unfortunate back door.
In a statement GCHQ said that this was only one of the many ways in which users could crack the code, and thanked us for our continued interest.
A spokesperson responded, "The website you refer to is part of the path that a successful code-cracker will follow, and is the moment it is revealed to them that the challenge was set by GCHQ."
He added that this was all part of the fun, and suggested that this was just one of many ways that people could access GCHQ's job notice boards,
"It's not an 'unfortunate backdoor' just another part of the fun and innovative way we are engaging with our target audience." µ
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The top 10 stories from the past seven days


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Chicken Wild Rice Chowder RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
- 2 cups sliced fresh carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
- 2-2/3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
- 1 package (8.8 ounces) ready-to-serve long grain and wild rice
- 1/4 cup half-and-half cream
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- In a large saucepan, saute the carrots, onion and celery in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the chicken, rice, cream and pepper; heat through. Yield: 4 servings.
Reviews for Chicken Wild Rice Chowder
"Excellent recipe I use everytime I make a turkey. I make home made turkey broth using the carcas and leftover turkey meat in this recipe. I also, per others suggestions, add potatoes, use a whole onion, uncle ben's wild grain ready rice, and double the recipe. IT IS EXCELLENT and always a hit in my family, after cooking I put the left overs in a casserole dish and bake to reheat, even better the next day!!"
"The whole family loved it. Excellent flavor. Definitley will make it again."
"This is my husband's favorite soup recipe. I lighten things up by using Fat Free Half and Half. I also add 2-3 cloves of garlic to the veggies when I saute them. I also like to add potatoes to make it more hardy. I almost ALWAYS double this recipe."
"BEST soup recipe to date. I used chicken stock instead of broth and I used Uncle Bens ready long grain / wild rice. I also bought a cooked chicken from Sams and used the breast meat....quick and easy. I made it tonite for the 3rd time this month"
"Very good. I used some cooked white rice (1 cup) instead of the wild rice and it was yummy. Will definitely make it again!"


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Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Lakeview and Baxter County in Arkansas. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Lakeview, AR today!
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In my last article I mentioned three post apocalyptic movies coming out in early 2010. This is not quite true for Legion, in theaters on Jan. 22nd, which more about the end of the world than what follows. Similar to the Prophecy movies and Constantine, Legion stars Paul Bettany (Creation, Master and Commander) as Archangel Michael who comes to Earth to save humanity from God's wrath. Lucas Black (Friday Night Lights, Jarhead), Tyrese Gibson (Transformers 1 & 2, Annapolis), Dennis Quaid (Pandorum, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Charles S. Dutton (The Express, Fame) and Andrianne Palicki (Robot Chicken, Supernatural) are amongst those he attempts to save.
Last week saw the release of the stylish Daybreakers, where the end has already happened as a vampire creating virus has swept the world. Ethan Hawke (Gattaca, Staten Island) may have the answer for the vampires as the world's human blood supply runs low, or may be the last hope for those few remaining humans on the run. Sam Neill (Jurassic Park 1 & 3, The Tudors) leads the vampires and Willem Dafoe (The Spiderman franchise, Boondock Saints II) is one of "the folks with the crossbows." An interesting turn from the Blade and Underworld franchises, check Rotten Tomatoes for reviews.
Coming out today is The Book of Eli, a Denzel Washington vehicle that is a true dystopic wastelands after-the-last-war film in the tradition of The Road Warrior and A Boy and his Dog. Directed by the Hughes Brothers (From Hell, Menace II Society) Gary Oldman (Batman Begins, Batman: The Dark Knight) menaces Washington, caretaker of humanity's last hope. Mila Kunis (That 70s Show, Family Guy, Robot Chicken) plays Oldman's stepdaughter and Ray Stevenson (Rome, Punisher: War Journal), Tom Waits (Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Dracula) and Jennifer Beals (The L Word, Lie to Me) are featured. Check out Aint' It Cool News interviews with Albert and Allen Hughes and Mila Kunis.
The end of the world, coming to a theater near you.


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- Price: TBD
- Official Site: SonyEricsson.com
- Specs: S60 OS; 12.1 MP; Xenon flash; 3.5" touch screen; GPS; Bluetooth; FM radio; Wi-Fi; microSD
- Company: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
To some, the world needs another fancy camera phone like a gopher needs a colostomy, but others like to have the latest phones with the coolest mix of functions and looks -- and Sony's impending Satio is designed to make the latter go weak in the knees. It's is a beautiful package that offers enough features to make just about any handset shopper happy.
Initially introduced at MWC 2009 as the Idou, the Symbian-powered Satio's slick urban looks and crazy feature set look like a recipe for magic. The edgy, faintly industrial body stands out nicely against the curvaceous plastic phones that form most of the market these days. On the front, a 12.1-megapixel camera and Xenon flash are nestled behind a protective sliding panel, while a super 3.5-inch widescreen graces the back. That screen is not only good for framing shots, it's also a fabulous way to view movies while sitting on a plane or bus, especially if you spring for a cool wireless HBH-IS800 stereo headset. Under the hood, the phone boasts such goodies as gesture control, animated wallpaper, e-mail and Web browsing and a bevy of music, video and photo features (including geo-tagging your pics). Looking to get going? The phone's GPS, Google Maps and turn-by-turn navigation will get you from point A to point B with minimum fuss. Connectivity not only includes the usual Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth and USB, but also extends to TV out and PictBridge features, as well as a basic modem. The Saito is expected to be available in early Q4 2009 in black, Bordeaux red and silver.
Don't even ask. Of course it's going to be worth it -- with two quibbles: We still don't know what this phone is going to cost, and personal experience with the T303a slider begs the question of whether you'll get a signal in, say, the middle of your apartment. It's irritating that something like that would be a make-or-break reservation these days, but there it is anyway. Assumptions about unknowns aside, Sony's usual quality plus the Satio's good looks and extensive feature set equals a phone that will likely find its way into hands all over, and probably stay there for at least a couple of years.


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Green Wednesday: 5 Ways to Use Recycled Rubber in Your Remodel
From Dean Dowd on July 16, 2008 in Green Remodeling
Rubber, that miraculous material that carries us around our world, be it on bicycle or in a car. Rubber, those old tires that pile up at the garbage heap or burn incessantly, like a pyre for old Buicks and Cadillacs. Thankfully, in accordance with the inventiveness of the surging Green Building movement, recycled rubber now has several uses for the eco-friendly remodeler. Here are five ways you can incorporate recycled rubber into your remodel:
- Rubber Flooring. Although recycled rubber flooring is usually found in a commercial setting, there is no reason you couldn't utilize it in the home. It is incredibly durable, resistant to both water and extreme temperatures, fully recyclable itself, and emits very low VOCs.
- Roofing Tiles. A very popular use for recycled rubber, synthetic roofing tiles or slates make for a more durable and flexible alternative to natural stone slates. Rubber roofing slates' flexibility is especially beneficial because it can withstand foot traffic from painters, siders, and anyone else who might have reason to tread the roof.
- Rubber Mulch. For the landscaping side of home improvement. Rubber mulch is made from 100% recycled material and, in addition to keeping weeds at bay, provides a safe play surface for children, does not attract insects, and allows water to easily flow through it.
- Rubber Paving. Recycled rubber paving is becoming more common, especially in city sidewalks and bike paths. Yet it is moving into the home with innovations like rubber pavers consisting of recycled rubber with a stone aggregate topping to achieve the look of natural stone.
- Rubber Floor Mats. Recycled rubber products can be manipulated into a wide variety of colors, from monochrome to intricate patterns. They are porous and water resistant, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.


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Aug 8, 2013 9:15 AM
Ground control to Major Tom.... please locate your number two pencil. The cute and quirky recycled plastic Control Panel Pencil Case ($6) will be a great back-to-school item.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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There's still time left in the season to enjoy a wonderful family outing at Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex. Open publicly through Sept. 9, Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex is your one-stop must-stop activity hub.
Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex is the largest year-round indoor and outdoor interactive entertainment complex in central Pennsylvania. It features two go-kart tracks, two mini golf courses, an abundance of arcade games, a Laser Tag theatre, an indoor sports field, outdoor fields, wooded lands and so much more. There is even a café located onsite as well as snack shops.
Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex makes for a great place to host a party or special event. Whether you are looking for a place to have your child's next birthday party or a business-related outing with co-workers, this place offers plenty of packages, has plenty of available space, and provides special offers. This has been a popular place for religious retreats, military reunions, motorcoach groups, family reunions and of course birthday parties (any age). On site, you will find two private gathering rooms as well as a large picnic pavilion and plenty of full catering capabilities.
Though the open to the public operational season ranges from June 1 to Sept. 9, Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex operates year-long through reservation. Hours range from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Group hours of operation are scheduled on a case by case basis.
Rates for various activities and offerings at Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex vary depending on the activity. General rates follow: Mini Golf is $6, the Flight Simulator is $7, Go Karts go for $8 and Laser Tag is $9. All these activities are a dollar off before 5 p.m. Discounted group rates are also available. For Mini Gold, kids under 5 get to play free with a paying adult. For Go Karts, a second rider rides free is accompanied by a paying first rider. Gettysburg area hotel employees and one guest are free with a paying companion. Gettysburg town residents get 50% off ticket prices before 5 p.m. All active military and one guest get 50% off as well.
Gettysburg Family Amusement Complex is located at 2638 Emmitsburg Road, Gettysburg, just a few minutes south of the National Battlefield. For more information, visit www.gettysburgfamilyfun.com.


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XPPhone hybrid device actually runs on Windows XP
A rather unknown company called In Technology Group (ITG) has just unveiled the XPPhone, a combination between a MID and a cell phone that runs on Windows XP.
Presented as a "pocketable mobile internet terminal", the XPPhone has a generous 4.8 inch TFT touchscreen display with 800 x 480 pixels, and a sliding QWERTY keyboard.
The ITG XPPhone weighs 400 grams (battery included) and features GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an AMD CPU of unknown speed.
Furthermore, the hybrid device supports GSM/WCDMA, CDMA/EVDO, or TD-SCDMA/TD-HSDPA connectivity – so it could be used anywhere around the world.
Apparently, the terminal will be launched in various configurations, which should include hard drives of up to 120GBs.
ITG didn't say when the XPPhone would be commercially available, and neither for what price, but the company will showcase a prototype at Computex 2009.
Via UMPC Portal


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If you didn't catch the elite men's and women's races at the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships - Not to worry! We're re-broadcasting them again on Wednesday, January 18.
You can find a link to the live feed on the Cyclo-cross National Championships page.
The elite women's contest will begin at 11 a.m. MST. It will be immediately followed by the elite men's race at approximately noon MST.
Following Wednesday's re-broadcast you can also watch the entire event on-demand at www.youtube.com/usacyclingorg.
Gear up for a year's worth of USA Cycling National Championship events!
'Cross Nationals was just the beginning. There are 16 other national championship events in 2012, as well as over 3,000 USA Cycling-sanctioned events around the country.
Make 2012 the year you meet your racing goals.
In addition to national championship events and santioned races, your USA Cycling membership gives you these perks as well:
A new and improved national results and rankings system
Access to over 2,600 cycling clubs and 34 Local Associations to guide you and answer questions about cycling in your area
Quality insurance coverage in case you're injured at a USA Cycling-sanctioned event
Great benefits from our Member Benefits Providers, including discounts on gear, accessories, training tools, travel and much more.
Access to USA Cycling's athlete development programs that provide opportunities at training camps and eventually, international racing, World Championships and the Olympic Games!
Get started now by visiting your My USA Cycling account to renew your racing license.
If you have any questions during the license renewal process, don't hesitate to call our membership department at 719-434-4200.


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Let your students focus on their own tasks with our 2-Sided Modular Carrel. The carrel creates a semi-private atmosphere that reduces distractions, creating a supportive learning atmosphere. Top shelf adds storage, clearing the work surface by 13 3/4".
2-sided carrels are the most cost effective per work station, allowing you to make the most of your space. Begin with the Starter Carrel, then join coordinating Adder Carrels to fit your space and needs. Quality constructed with a 14-gauge steel frame and industrial grade particle board with high-pressure, stain- and scratch-resistant melamine to maintain appearance.
Legs include 1" leveling glides. Shipped ready to assemble.


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Anja Dornieden and Juan David González Monroy are filmmakers living and working in Berlin. Since 2010 they have been working together under the moniker OJOBOCA. Together they are the founders of Horrorism, a simulated method for inner and outer transformation. Their work encompasses films, performances, installations and workshops. They have presented their work internationally in a variety of venues to a variety of audiences. They are currently members of the artist-run film lab LaborBerlin.
- This event has passed.


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November 28, 2013 | Vol. 117 -- No. 32
Maxine (LeGrant)
Riley [Allan, Pence]
Maxine was born June 1, 1932 in Spokane, Wash. and with blue eyes still sparkling, passed away Nov. 21, 2013 in Liberty Lake, Wash.
She left her mark on life with her boundless creativity-she was an exceptional painter of stills and landscapes, as well as an expert seamstress and photographer. She was born to Evelyn M. LeGrant (Bullis) and Harrison O. LeGrant and lived for a time in Redding, Calif. and Cusick, Wash.
She married her first husband, Eugene (Gene) L. Allan, on May 2, 1949. They resided in Pullman, Wash., where they started to raise the...
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On Feb. 9, 2014, country act Restless Road and Colton Pack announced that he has quit the group to pursue a solo career. Restless Road came in fourth place on "The X Factor" U.S. in 2013. Restless Road was formed when Simon Cowell put together three teenage contestants — Pack, Andrew Scholz and Zach Beeken — who originally auditioned as solo singers but were rejected by the show as solo singers.
It was obvious that Cowell (who was Restless Road's "X Factor" mentor) had hoped that Restless Road would be a country version of One Direction (the boy band that Cowell created and mentored on "The X Factor" U.K. in 2010), but now Restless Road looks like it will become yet another reality-show contestant that will fade back into obscurity.
In a separate statement, Beeken and Scholz said they will continue as Restless Road but have not announced if they will replace Pack or if they will just remain a duo. (See the statements from Pack and Restless Road at the end of this article.)
[Feb. 12, 2014 update: Based on updates on Restless Road's Facebook page, Restless Road will remain a duo.]
Meanwhile, the cancellation of "The X Factor" U.S. (which was officially announced on Feb. 7, 2014) has led to Sony Music backing off from signing the non-winning contestants from the show's third and final season. As previously reported, Syco Music (the record company that Cowell co-owns with Sony Music) and Sony Music were looking to sign Season 3 contestants Restless Road, Jeff Gutt, Ellona Santiago and Alex & Sierra before Alex & Sierra were named "The X Factor" U.S. winners in 2013.
But sources say that "The X Factor" U.S. has been such a humiliating failure for Cowell that he has essentially lost interest in signing all the show's Season 3 contestants whom he had originally planned to sign. If the show had been renewed for a fourth season, the contestants he had chosen as his favorites probably would have been signed by now. Cowell had high hopes that Fox would renew "The X Factor" U.S. for a fourth season in 2014, and he even told the media that the show would be renewed in 2014. But in the end, Cowell was wrong, and so his plans to sign contestants from the show's third season have changed.
As of now, boyfriend/girlfriend duo Alex & Sierra are the only contestants from the show's third season who are signed to Sony Music, since they won the Sony Music contract as part of their "X Factor" grand prize. According to messages on Twitter and interviews they've given, Alex & Sierra are working on their debut album with several songwriters, including John Legend, James Valentine of Maroon 5, Sam Watters and Julian Bunetta. The album's songs, title and release date are to be announced, but Alex & Sierra have told the media that the album should be released before the end of 2014.
Given the dismal sales of other former "X Factor" U.S. contestants, don't expect Alex & Sierra to become a platinum-selling act in America. If Alex & Sierra's album goes gold, then it will be a minor miracle. The reality is that even though Alex & Sierra hit No. 1 on iTunes in the U.S. with cover versions of A Great Big World's "Say Something" and Sara Bareilles' "Gravity" when Alex & Sierra were contestants on "The X Factor" in 2013, the sales for Alex & Sierra's versions of those songs weren't enough for Alex & Sierra to make it onto Billboard's Hot 100 chart, the official singles chart of the U.S.
It's already been well-documented in this blog and elsewhere how "The X Factor" U.S. failed to find an international superstar during its three seasons on the air. Melanie Amaro (the winner of the show's first season in 2011) had flop sales for her singles. Amaro's debut album, "Truly," was repeatedly delayed and will probably never be released. Tate Stevens (the winner of the show's second season in 2012) released a self-titled debut album in April 2013, but that album bombed, and Stevens was quickly dropped from Sony.
Many other former "X Factor" U.S. contestants who were signed to Sony Music had flop sales for their music in America (such as Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Marcus Canty, Rachel Crow) or have not yet released any music with Sony (Carly Rose Sonenclar, Beatrice Miller). Teen rapper Astro from the show's first season was signed to Sony Music's Epic Records, which parted ways with Astro before he ever released an album with Epic.
Fifth Harmony (girl group) and Emblem3 (boy band) from the show's second season have gotten the most media attention and best touring opportunities out of all the "X Factor" U.S. contestants, but their music sales have been underwhelming. Despite debuting in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 album chart in 2013 (where they have a short-lived stay in the chart's Top 10), Emblem3 and Fifth Harmony haven't even come close to going gold in America, as their Sony Music releases don't have much staying power on the charts. And the singles released from Emblem3 and Fifth Harmony have been bombing. Both groups can attract crowds at large nightclubs, but Fifth Harmony and Emblem3 are nowhere near the level of being able to headline and sell out arenas. Fifth Harmony and Emblem3 have performed at arenas only as opening acts for bigger-name artists (Selena Gomez for Emblem3, Demi Lovato for Fifth Harmony) or as part of festivals that feature bigger stars on the concert bill.
As for Restless Road, it's anyone's guess how long that act will last. Pack was consistently singled out by "The X Factor" judges as being the best singer in Restless Road and the one with the most charisma on stage. With Cowell losing interest in Restless Road, it's clear that Pack felt he was better off trying to make it in the music business as a solo artist.
And now that "The X Factor" U.S. has been cancelled, the contestants from this doomed show are probably like a bad memory to Cowell. He's going back to "The X Factor" U.K. judging panel, where he was originally a judge from 2004 to 2010. There's almost no chance that Cowell is going back to being a judge on "American Idol" (where he was a judge from 2002 to 2010), since he's being in a long-running feud with "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller.
Although many people say they think that Alex & Sierra will become big stars, that's what many people said about Amaro, Stevens, Rene and all the other former "X Factor" U.S. contestants who ended up having flop sales in America. The reality is that many of the people who say they are "fans" of these artists or voted for them on "The X Factor" don't actually want to buy these artists' music. Cowell knows this fact, which is one of the reasons why he's going back to being a judge on "The X Factor" U.K., which is the only "X Factor" show in the world that's been able to discover artists who end up having big hits in several countries.
Here are the statements from Pack and Restless Road about Pack's departure from the group:
Colton Pack statement
After much time in thought and prayer, I've come to a decision. At this point in my life, it is best for me to part ways with Restless Road. This was a very difficult decision to make. I feel as if I have done not only what is best for me, but for the guys as well. I love both Andrew and Zach. We've become not only friends but brothers. This was an incredible journey, and I look forward to see where Restless Road goes in the near future. Though I'm not going with them, I will be following them closely. I know big things are in store for them. I wish Zach and Andrew nothing but the best.
"Prior to X Factor I was a solo artist. In my heart of hearts I have found it difficult to stray from what I feel is my true calling, a solo artist. We all have a specific path in life, and this is the path I truly feel I must walk. I want all the Roadies to know that there is no reason other than this that brought me to my decision. I want to thank y'all soooo much for us supporting us and showing us your love and devotion. That is something I will never take for granted. I hope you will continue to support Restless Road and myelf in our careers. I will be working towards a solo EP in the near future. Y'all are the greatest fans.
I love my Roadies. ~ Colton
Restless Road statement
Part 1
Colton has decided to leave the group. We are going to support his decision. We don't want you to worry too much. More information to come.
I know you might be confused or worried but Andrew and Zach will have a ustream tonight to answer what questions they can.
The decision was Colton's. We didn't have any arguments or a fall out. We still support each other.
Please know Restless Road is NOT over…we are still going to push forward and we have plans. More details in a ustream tonight coming soon. We will post link to our page.
Part 2
to recap the ustream
Hey guys we know you may be in a some shock right now after you heard colton decided to leave the group. We definitely understand how you are feeling and Andrew and I would like to talk to you guys and help give you an idea of what exactly went on and reassure you that Restless Road isn't over and help give you an idea of what we are going to do now
First the three of us talked last week about a lot of things and Colton told us his heart wasn't in the band. We did NOT have any arguments or falling out…this decision was his own personal choice, and we respect and support it.
As hard as it is we are family and we are going to be there for each other. And we hope all of our fans and supporters who follow us make the decision to continue to support all three of us. Even though Restless Road will be different without Colton it doesn't mean that we all can't make it something special. And we know Colton feels the same way… he doesn't want anybody giving up on the band either.
We really wanted to do this ustream to let you guys know that we are going to GIVE OUR ALL into this group. We know how much work you guys put into for us and you're the reason we are where we are. All the fan accounts and pictures and messasge you send us is why we are going to work to keep restless road alive. No matter what – its for you guys.
We are in Nashville now and are working on moving forward… We have a couple different things going on right now that are positive for the group… we don't have enough information at this moment however to tell anything to you for sure…but definitely in the next couple days we will let you know exactly how the two of us are planning on continuing!
Like we said we know this is hard and we can understand how you might have lost some faith in us but we are here to tell you this is not the end… and there are still big things in store for us and with all of your continued support we achieve anything!


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From | Marketing Executive
To | Wine Merchant
Deborah Brennerloves to stroll through Napa Valley vineyards, where the smell of ripening grapes mingles with the scent of sun-warmed earth. She adores the straight rows of tangled vines growing on verdant hills. Here, "Mother Nature is at work," she says. "When you eat a grape straight off the vine, it bursts with concentrated flavors like no table grape ever could." And when the time to harvest finally arrives (about 90 pounds of grapes will make five gallons of wine), the winemaker, drawing on science, experience and instinct, gets just one chance to produce that season's vintage. "Vintners have to make decisions on the fly—when to plant, when to pick. If you screw up your timing, you don't get to do it again. It's such hard work," says Brenner. "And yet they're passionate about what they do."
Five years ago, Brenner launched Women of the Vine, a company that markets and sells only wines made by women—small-scale, artisanal vintners whose products might otherwise never find their way onto dinner tables around the country. Brenner now represents seven winemakers and grape growers who last year produced 60,000 bottles, sold in retail stores in 21 states and via her website, WomenoftheVine.com. Best of all, Brenner, a former marketing executive for a Manhattan high-tech firm, has found a career that feeds her soul. "It allows me to be the best I can be," she says.
Brenner discovered her passion after a period of painful changes that started soon after 9/11. Her marriage ended abruptly when her husband asked for a divorce. A once-satisfying career began to drain her. "It happened slowly over the years," she says. "I was very unhappy, but I needed time to figure out what I wanted to do." In 2002, at age 36, she quit her job, giving up a -six-figure salary and benefits, and set up an office at her home in Rockland County, New York. She took on freelance marketing and public relations jobs while searching for work that would capture her heart.
Then, on a business trip to Napa Valley in 2005, Brenner met a group of women winemakers. Their stories about the land, the seasons and the art of winemaking, as well as their resilience in the face of wipeouts caused by frost and rain, "touched my soul," says Brenner. "They opened me up to a world that I had never fully paid attention to. I was hooked." To celebrate the women's achievements in a male--dominated industry, Brenner wrote a book, Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste, and Enjoy Wine. It came out in 2006, and the following year she launched her company with her first consignment of wine. The cost: $135,000, which she drew from her savings and a home equity loan.
In 2008, just before the release of her second batch—five premium wines priced from $25 to $75 per bottle—her distributor went out of business. "I had to arrange for a truck to get my wine out of their warehouse, and cover all the expenses," she says. "I just put my head down on my computer and cried." A loan from a relative for half of what she needed bought Brenner some time while she cobbled together the rest. "Then I hit the pavement to sell the bottles myself," she says.


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72 x 96 in.
Oil on canvas
Aldrich1st floor
My work investigates a world of visual intoxication; it captures moments of enchantment, which are associated with urban nightlife. I am fascinated by the ambiance of the city at night and its seductive qualities. The breathtaking turbulence of speeding vehicles and hasty pedestrians evoke feelings of wonder and disorientation. The vibrant lights become a magical landscape with enticing opportunities and promises of fulfillment. I recreate the feeling of dizziness and confusion by letting the paint blur and allowing shapes to dissolve. I suggest motion in order to slow down the scene and capture the fleeting moments, which tend to be forgotten. The sense of motion is intensified with the use of quick vigorous lines and sharp perspectives. By interpreting lights in graphic or painterly ways, I create a sense of space, alluding to a hallucinogenic experience. I want the viewer's eye to travel with my composition and experience a familiar, exhilarating event of an actual nightly excursion. — Alexandra Pacula
Gerald Schwartz believes the presence of provocative art promotes creative thinking, remembering that "artistic presence was the only thing missing at HBS when I went there. I wanted to change that." In 1995, Gerry Schwartz and a team from HBS together began purchasing contemporary art for the HBS buildings most frequented by students. Inspired by the growing collection, a small group of MBA students founded the HBS Art Appreciation Society in 2001. It quickly grew into one of the largest student clubs on campus, sponsoring events in Boston area galleries and museums, as well as an annual weekend in Manhattan to meet artists, tour exhibitions, and attend theater. The club's co-presidents accompany Mr. Schwartz on his annual buying trip to purchase additional art for the School's collection.
Gerald Schwartz, MBA '70, is the Founder and CEO of Onex Corporation. He has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Gerry Schwartz is Vice Chairman and member of the Executive Committee of Mount Sinai Hospital, a director of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, a trustee of The Simon Wiesenthal Center and Chairman of its Canadian Friends, and a governor of Junior Achievement of Metro Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba, a Masters in Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, and several Doctor of Laws (Hon.) degrees. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Heather Reisman, founder and CEO of Indigo Books and Music.


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2013 All-Pac-12 (10,000M)
2013 USTFCCCA Academic All-American
2013 All-Pac-12 All-Academic First-Team (Cross Country)
2014 MPSF All-Academic
2014 All-Pac-12 All-Academic First-Team (Track)
2014: Indoors, Bulder clocked personal-best times in the mile, 3K and 5K … She finished in fourth place overall at the Husky Classic in the mile with a time of 4:55.92 … Bulder returned to Seattle for the MPSF Championships and finished in 11th place in the 3K with a time of 9:30.35 … Bulder also ran the 5K at the MPSF Championships, clocking a time of 16:42.11, good for seventh place overall and two points to the women's total score … Outdoors, Bulder clocked a personal-best time of 4:26.33 in the women's 1,500-meter race, good for fourth place overall … Bulder's personal-best time of 16:38.32 in the 5K came at the Pepsi Oregon Dual, good for second place overall … The peak of Bulder's season came at the Mt. SAC Relays when she won her section of the women's 10K with a personal-best time of 34:35.63, the ninth-best mark in school history … Bulder finished in 22nd place in the 5K at the Pac-12 Championships and 16th in 10K … She also qualified for the NCAA West Preliminaries in the 10K.
2013 (XC): Bulder's season-opening race at the George Kyte Classic was a great start for the junior, she ran the 5K at altitude in 17:33.0, good for eighth place overall and third among Wildcats … Bulder was the fifth overall finisher (fourth Wildcat) at the Dave Murray Invitational, finishing the three-mile race in 17:17.73 … Bulder ran at the Roy Griak Invitational, clocking a time of 21:52 in the 6K, good for 35th overall (sixth among Wildcats) … At the Pac-12 Championships, Bulder finished in 42nd overall (sixth UA runner) in the 6K with a time of 23:09 … In the final two races of the season, Bulder was the fifth scorer for the UA women's team … At the NCAA West Regional, she took 45th place overall with a 6K time of 20:39 … Bulder had a time of 21:24.3 at the NCAA Championships, good for 112th place overall … Bulder was in and out of the top-five finishers for the women's team that claimed the first conference championship in program history … Bulder was the final scorer for the Wildcats that earned a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships, the best finish in program history … That second-place finish was the worst finish the women's team had all season, winning six out of seven competitions.
2013: Indoors, Bulder competed at the MPSF Championships in the 3K and 5K … She clocked a time of 9:46.23 in the 3K for 19th place and 17:14.07 in the 5K for 13th place … Outdoors, Bulder clocked the No. 7 time in UA history in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, at the Jim Click Shootout she posted a personal-best time of 10:46.21 and took first place … Bulder also posted a personal-best time in the 5K at the Stanford Invitational with a time of 16:49.35, good for 13th place … At the Pac-12 Championships, Bulder took 17th place in the event … Also at the Pac-12 Championships, she ran the 10K and earned all-conference honors in the event with a fifth-place finish and a time of 36:07.10 … Bulder's personal best in the 10K came at the Mt. SAC Relays where she ran 35:19.11 and took third place.
2012 (XC): At the George Kyte Classic, Bulder took 11th place overall and second among the Arizona runners with a time of 17:48.5 in the 5,000-meter race … Bulder finished in fifth place overall and fifth on the team at the Dave Murray Invitational with a time of 17:25 in the three-mile race … At the Greater Louisville Classic, Bulder's 5K time of 17:31.89 was good for 41st place overall and sixth among the UA women … She ran at the Pac-12 Championships and clocked a 6K time of 21:20, good for 35th place overall and sixth on the team … At the NCAA Championships, Bulder posted a time of 21:37.9 and finished in 215th overall and the sixth Wildcat to cross the finish line at the end of 6,000 meters.
2012: Indoors, ran in three meets for the Wildcats this year … Took fifth place in the Razorback Invitational by posting a 9:48.65 in the 3,000-meter race … Finished in 12th place in the Husky Classic by finishing the 3,000-meter race in 9:49.04 … Ended the indoor season strong by setting a personal-best time of 9:43.49 in the 3K at the MPSF Championships … Outdoors, she ran in two 3,000-meter races and two 5,000-meter races … Bulder took eighth place at the Jim Click Shootout in the 3K with a time of 10:21.86 … She earned a ninth-place finish at the UA-ASU-NAU Double Dual meet in the 3,000-meter race, posting a time of 10:23.14 … She set a personal best in the 5K at the Mt. SAC Relays with a time 17:49.22 … She had a time of 17:51.64 at the Stanford Invitational, good for 24th place.
2011 (XC): As a freshman, Bulder ran in four meets … Her first meet was the Dave Murray Invitational where she finished in eighth place with a time of 17:30 in the three-mile run … She clocked a time of 22:18.7 in the 6,000-meter race at the Roy Griak Invitational … Bulder competed for the Wildcats at Wisconsin adidas Invitational, running the 6K in 21:50.4 … She ended the season at the Pac-12 Championships where she ran 6,000 meters in 21:48.
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduate of Saugus High School where she lettered in cross country, track and field and swimming … As a distance runner, she holds personal bests of 4:47.81 in the 1,600 meters, 10:30.70 in the 3,200 meters, 17:01.00 in the three-mile run, 17:46.00 in the 5,000 meters and 2:20.68 in the 800 meters … Was named team MVP for cross country in 2010 and for track and field in 2011 … A three-time All-Foothill League cross country performer … A four-time all-state honoree … Named the 2010 SCV Cross Country Runner of the Year.
PERSONAL: She is the daughter of Ben and Bonnie Bulder … Has a sister, Christine, and a brother, Kevin … Majoring in biology with plans to attend medical school.


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If you're up for a field trip, head to Rosemount to Reno's Pizza. Simply put, this pizza rocks. This mom and pop shop tucked away in a strip mall located in downtown Rosemount is the best pizza in town.
It's cheesy, it's greasy (but not in a gross way), has a wonderful sweet tangy sauce, plentiful toppings with the right amount of kick (the sausage anyway) and a crispy thin crust.
Reno's is definitely worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood. Dine in, delivery or carry out you can't go wrong with Reno's if your jonesing for some tasty pizza.
Reno's Pizza is located in Rosemount at 14555 S Robert Trail.


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|2013 soccer slate announced
MOSCOW – Nineteen regular season matches, eight home matches, and a 12-match Western Athletic Conference schedule featuring a home-and-home series with six league opponents makes up the 2013 Idaho soccer schedule, as head coach Pete Showler announced the slate Tuesday.
Before all that takes place, however, the Vandals will welcome Oklahoma to Wicks Field for an exhibition match on Aug. 16, which Showler said will be a good measuring stick for his young team, which will feature 13 newcomers to go along with 13 returnees.
"This year is definitely going to be a rebuilding year with a lot of development," Showler said. "But the core group coming back can instill in the newcomers a lot of what we have progressed with over the past two or three years. To open up with a Big 12 opposition at home is tremendous. It will be a good way for us to measure what we need to do and how we need to do it prior to going into our first games."
The Vandals begin the regular season with five straight non-conference road games, beginning at Weber State on Aug. 23 then at Idaho State on Aug. 25. Both schools are future league opponents for Idaho, which joins the Big Sky conference beginning in 2014.
"Starting with two Big Sky oppositions also helps us look at where we need to be for the following year,"
Idaho stays close to home to visit Washington State on Aug. 30, then travels to North Dakota State (Sept. 6) and Creighton (Sept. 8) before its home opener.
"We've got some quality opposition," Showler said. "It's striking a balance between some very high level teams, and some teams that we should be competing with on a day-to-day basis, and learning from each and every part of those games."
The Vandals open a five-match home-stand on Sept. 13 when Eastern Washington visits Wicks Field, before hosting UNLV on Sept. 15 in their final non-conference match.
Idaho has WAC home matches against Grand Canyon (Sept. 22), New Mexico State (Sept. 27), UMKC (Sept. 29), CSU Bakersfield (Oct. 18), Utah Valley (Oct. 20) and Seattle U (Nov. 3). The Vandals will also visit each of those six WAC opponents for a 12-match WAC schedule.
"The thing with that is we can take the first game, and whatever we get from that, win, lose or draw, we can learn for the next game," Showler said of the league format. "I'd like to see it more often. The important part is for us to try to make the tournament, and with such a young group, be part of that learning process throughout the season."
The WAC tournament begins Nov. 8 in Las Cruces, N.M., and the league's top four teams will qualify.


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Investors are often told that the best time to buy is when everyone seems to be excessively negative on a sector or a country. That was certainly true in 2013 for investors who were able to trade in the sovereign debt of Greece.
Investors enjoyed a gain of 47% on Greek government debt last year even as fears of Greek default lingered throughout the year and the economic news remained mostly negative.
Of course, most individual investors couldn't actually invest directly in Greek bonds, and returns from investments that were available to individual investors were significantly lower. For example, the Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF (NYSE: GREK) gained 25% in 2013, less than U.S. stocks -- even though Greek stocks should have benefited from the same factors that drove Greek bonds higher.
Given the higher risk Greek stocks provided, buying when the news was negative in early 2013 doesn't seem to have been a wise investment for most individuals.
The example of Greece illustrates some problems with the idea of buying bad news -- there is no way to know when the news is bad enough to drive big gains, and there is no way to be sure the market will respond in a positive way.[More from StreetAuthority.com: Is It Time To Prepare For The Worst?]
Rather than relying on impossible-to-define indicators like news and sentiment, I developed the 26-week rate of change (ROC) system to find buying opportunities. Sometimes the system will give a buy signal when the news is bad, like it is this week in the metals sector. My system is signaling the SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (NYSE: XME) is a "buy."
Gold and other metals suffered large losses last year, and sentiment in those markets is negative. Recent headlines show that many analysts expect even lower prices this year. Goldman Sachs expects gold prices to fall at least another 10% a year, and gold bull John Paulson (who made billions betting subprime mortgages would collapse) recently said he would no longer personally be buying gold for now.
XME has been moving higher on the bad news and is now about 30% above the lows set in June. ROC has turned positive, and although the indicator pulled back in the past week, it is still bullish.[More from StreetAuthority.com: This Strategy Has Worked For 212 Years... And Counting]
XME's largest holdings include miners like Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (NYSE: FCX) and Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL). The exchange-traded fund also holds aluminum producer Alcoa (NYSE: AA) and AK Steel (NYSE: AKS), a company that makes steel and stainless steel for the automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.
With diversified holdings in the metals sector, XME is not a traditional mining play, and it is not a pure gold trade. But it is possibly an early indicator that the metals sector is finally turning bullish. This ETF also provides investors with the opportunity to profit from growth in steel and auto manufacturing while waiting for a turnaround in gold and silver.
Action to Take --> There are no other changes in the model portfolio this week. After adding XME to the portfolio, the system will be fully invested and holding ETFs in all five asset classes.[More from StreetAuthority.com: Indicator Points To Trouble For Stocks, Gains For Gold]
This article was originally published at ProfitableTrading.com:
My System is Signaling This Unloved Sector is a 'Buy'
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Website of the Week
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Websites of the Week
Recommendations from ictopus members.
If you have a site to recommend please get in touch through the 'contact us' button.
Recommendations from 2010
27/11/10 Story Starts
Here at ictopus we love
Story Starts
and we plan to publish an article about it in SGP in the spring. It is a great way for teachers to free the muse in their pupils and if it inspires more children to write like Jeremy Hodge (see Your Stories at Story Starts) it could well be instrumental in developing the next JK Rowling!
7/9/10 Free clipart a recommedation from Janice Staines
This free clipart site is worth a look.
Free Clip Art by Phillip Martin
20/3/2010 Coventry Learning Grid a recommendation from Dee Chamberlain
Coventry Learning Grid
has lots of resources.
Haven't looked at them all but used the bar charts ITP in class ... very good.
One of the bar charts has an incorrect title when the question is clicked on but still think it is worth a look...
As ever just proceed with caution...
16/3/10 Copse and Robbers a recommendation from Heather Govier
A lovely detective investigation with lots to learn about woodland creatures is available
amongst the games on the ARKive Education website
. The body of a pigeon has been found in the wood. Collect the clues to work out who the killer is. This is a great activity for home or school.
7/2/10 Stickman a recommedation from Dee Chamberlain
Was interested to read the article in SGP80 about using pivot stickman in class. You might be interested in
I find it easier to use, and it offers a number of (pre-defined) different figures and backgrounds. Also its easy to create backgrounds in Paint and import them.
Recommendations from 2009
WOTW from Margarita R. Ruiz, Mexico
Reading this week's SGP article about using email with primary students, I decided to participate telling you about another email program that is thought to give our students a safety environment to work with. It is gaggle, you can find more about it at
, they have a free version.
I have used it with my students with very good results.
A Top Tip from Pauline Marsh - Christmas Calendars
Working with a Y3/4 class, I took in a range of wigs, feather boas and hats, along with a mirror. The children went into the corridor in twos and threes so they were hidden from the rest of the class (with either me or a TA popping out to keep an eye on them). Each child dressed up in whatever they chose, with wigs proving particularly popular!! Another child took up to four close up portrait photos of them. We discussed taking a good clear close up photo. These were then edited by the photographed child who used picassa to edit, crop etc and select one photo to print out. This was mounted on card and a calendar tag added. There was a lot of laughter when viewing the finished calendars and parents were eager to buy these at our Autumn Fayre.
I have just been introduced to
by my daughter. Lots of possibilities as its so simple to use. It needs to be run each time you switch on but then sits on f11. Pastes into Office/Textease/ Notebook. Thought you might like to try it if you haven't seen it before.
Thanks to Margaret Watson for this WOTW.
National Archives
Brilliant for dramatic conventions in literacy and also history.
This is an excellent resource for practice in calculating percentages. If the children get the answers correct, the game will move them on allowing them to find increasingly more complex percentages. Get them wrong and the game will provide more practice at that level.
Thanks to Dee Chamberlain for both of these WOTWs.
- thanks to Simon Haughton
This site lets you edit photos in your web browser. All you have to do is load the picture and then you can manipulate it by adding lots of different effects - such as: alter the brightness/contrast, change the colour/tint, rotate the picture or put a fancy border around the edge. The interface is really easy to use and once youve done the edit you can either print your picture or save it onto your computer. Although there is an option to pay to get extra features, the majority of the tools are free and since the program is online it can be accessed from both school and home with no fiddly installation process.
- thanks to Dee Chamberlain
Wordle is a toy for generating word clouds from text that you provide.
Give it a try - you will love it! It will get children writing!
Magic Gopher
- thanks to Fiona Sanderson
Here is a bit of fun and a challenge! Not by a bunny but a gopher!
Can any of your children work out how it is done?
(Get in touch via the contact us button on the ictopus website if your children can tell us - or you would like us to tell you!)
Primary School Safe Search
- thanks to Lydia Pitkethly
Primary School Safe Search is not just a Google search page. It allows Primary teachers and children to search the internet and filters out any inappropriate material while prioritising educational websites. In school internet use safety is a concern and it is easy to be misled when it comes to searching the web. For instance, if a child were to type the word firemen into an unfiltered search engine then the results would almost definitely include some content that you would not want children to see. However when using Primary School Safe Search you are presented with results that are safe for viewing with children and are mostly from educational sites. Another great feature is that it is free from advertising and those annoying pop-ups that have no relevance to what you are searching for.
The page also provides a bank of valuable links. Teachers will find really useful websites that help make planning and finding resources easier. Pupils will find links to some fantastic educational websites designed for children. Whats great is that everything is together in one place. If you make Primary Safe Search your homepage, it is easy to navigate from the main page to a web link in the resource bank. This saves precious time, allowing teachers to be more productive rather than wasting time searching through web pages they dont really want. The company that provides this wonderful resource is Primary Technology, an ICT company specialising in the primary sector and therefore aware of many of the websites teachers and children like to use. However, if they dont have a link to your favourite website you can email them and they will happily add it to the growing list of links.
Primary Resources
- thanks to Kate Gregson
I'm sure most people will be aware of this site, full of 100s of great resources (and some not so great) but worth a visit even if it's just for Moonmaths!
Great Plant Hunt
- thanks to Karen Laggan
This has many excellent resources, including video clips. If you are teaching anything about plants this should be your first port of call. There is a teacher's area and resources are grouped into year groups. There is also a kids area where children enter via their year group. Enjoy!
Voices from history
- thanks to Dee Chamberlain
Two children have recorded phone calls 'from history' giving first-hand accounts of life in Britain in days gone by; a child in the 1960s whose parents emigrated to Britain from Jamaica, and another calling from the 1950s to talk about the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Brenden is teaching
- thanks to Mary Farmer
Brenden is Teaching has a number of good generators, such as the one for spelling lists, making name labels as well as loop cards.
- thanks to Fiona Sanderson
OK so everyone knows about Google images - but we have Google images blocked in school, which is a shame as there are many good pictures. A high school student told me to put 'Google nr' in the Google search box, and lo and behold it bypasses the block!
You log into Google, then type Google nr in the box. This opens up a new Google search page somewhere else - Nr wherever that is. At the top of that page is images in the Google menu, so fill in your search and click on images. I tried it at school where we have a block, and it works. Once the technicians get wind of it I'm sure it will be blocked.
Another good site for photographs is
(and dont forget the Pictopus gallery).
Customized Google Search Engine
- thanks to Philip Griffin
Google has now established itself as probably the most popular search engine. However did you know that it is possible to customize Google for your own purposes? This facility is not officially available in the UK as yet, so is not visible when you click on more to see the entire range of Google products. Instead, type in http://www.google.com/coop
If you do not already have a Google account the first step is to create one - you could create an account for your school (school@googlemail is so much easier than firstname.lastname@example.com).
Once you reach the search engine creation page there are several options that can be chosen. The ones that are appealing to us teachers are the ability to limit the search to a particular list of sites and the ability to remove the adverts from the search results page. Google without adverts looks rather strange! When you have finished adding sites to the Google Search and tested your new search engine it is possible to copy and paste the code into a web page, for instance a page on a Learning Platform.
- thanks to Pat McLean
Did you know that ictopus is linked from the elanguages website?
Dawn's typing machine
- thanks to Neil Sands
I wrote Dawn's Typing Machine to channel my two-year-old daughter's fascination with my computer in an educational direction. It allows you to press buttons, and see the results very clearly on the screen.
The latest version has two modes - one for single letters, and one for words. In letters mode, you simply press a button, and up it comes, in a huge clear font, on the screen. It doesn't repeat if the key is held down. If you press another key, the new character comes up in place of the first.
In words mode, you can type whole words instead of individual letters. The font is smaller so you can get about 8-10 letters across the screen. To start a new word, press the return key.
There's a small selection of fonts available, chosen for being clear and uncluttered. If your computer has more than one of them available, it'll offer you a choice.
It's a free download from the above website. Full instructions are there. It runs in Java, available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux and others.
Recommendatons from 2008
Topic Box
- thanks to Karen Laggan
This is a great website for all subjects. It's particularly good for starters or plenaries. I really like how each subject is broken down into the different areas, which makes finding resources much quicker. Have fun!
- thanks to Lin Tyler
Read-Write-Think offers a collection of online materials to support literacy learning in the primary classroom. The interactive tools can be used to supplement a variety of lessons and provide an opportunity for children to use technology while developing literacy skills. I particularly liked (and so did the children) the character trading cards that we used as a story planner. However there is so much more!
- thanks to John Sutton
This is a fantastic online timeline creator.
Writing Fun
- thanks to Lesley Fraser
I recommend the writing fun website for literacy genres. It is excellent and I share it frequently with pupils.
- thanks to Dee Chamberlain
Excellent site for KS2 maths. Lots of content.
Ziggity Zoom
- thanks to Kristin Fitch
Not strictly speaking a WOTW but the lead article in SGP42 introduced this rich collection of resources.
This wiki, run by Kelley DeBoer, was featured in SGP30 but is worth another mention as it is a rich mine of resources. Scroll down to the Teachers Tools with links to teaching resources, browser based tools, open source software and more. Another section is called Interactive Lessons - media-rich lesson activities for children from kindergarten to 8th grade, which include assignments, video clips and links to the on-line support required to complete the piece of work.
Learning Clip
- thanks to Carol Gardner and Mary Farmer who both separately suggested this WOTW.
I have just stumbled on a wonderful free resource for the new numeracy strategy for years 3 & 4 and have just started using it. Some of the games are best suited to my lower ability children while others definitely stretch even the quickest. I will certainly continue to use it. The video introduction and plenary keep the children listening to the instructions and as for the games themselves, the children don't want to go out to play. CG
I would like to recommend what I think is a fabulous maths website called Learning Clip It is tied to the New Framework for Maths and I think has been created by a school teacher. The visual element of it makes learning new concepts not only easier but fun as well for my class of EBD children. I cannot recommend it highly enough. MF
Headline History
- thanks to Simon Haughton
This site contains virtual newspapers all aimed at children that report on real historical events in British history. You can choose to read articles about: the Roman times, the Tudor times, the Victorian times or World War Two.
Each eras newspaper comprises of six editions, focusing on a different aspect of daily life and since you are asked to input the region where you live, many of the stories shown are related to your local area. For the lead story in each paper you can also choose to watch videos of actors describing their account or reaction to the story being covered brilliant for discussing the different attitudes and viewpoints people have in history.
The main Headline History website appears to have gone. We are trying to find out where. However, the link above will take you to the archive version of the site which will work in 'text only' version (see the link at the bottom of the front page). You might also like to look at
Primary History
- a fantastic offering from the BBC.
Poisson Rouge
- thanks to Derek Archer
Poisson Rouge is a web site that I saw mentioned in the NUT magazine. I've just visited it and I would like to recommend it especially for Early Years.
Phonics Play
- sent in by an anonymous reader
I recommend Phonics Play. It has activities and resources to support all phases of Letters and Sounds learning. I particularly like using the interactive games on the IWB with my class.
Word Searches from Flickr
This is an interesting little utility here that generates word search puzzles from words used as photographic tags in Flickr. You can either specify a topic for example, animals - or you can make a puzzle using your own photos by specifying your Flickr ID. Each puzzle has the photographs arranged around the perimeter and a word tag for each photo embedded in the wordsearch. Clicking on the show hints button shows all the words to be found under their linked pictures.
- thanks to Karen Stanton
This website offers support for teaching English as an Additional Language and is a link from the British Council website, therefore very reliable. We have used this site in Year 2 and children enjoy the easy-to-learn, sing-along songs. We have particularly found the Sounds Fun page useful with EAL children. There are also sections for parents and teachers.
Build Your Wild Self
- thanks to Kelley DeBoer
I used this site with my Kindergarten (aged 5) after reading Where the Wild Things Are. We watched the
You Tube Wild Things video
and had a wild rumpus in front of the projector .They loved using all the animal parts to build the mixed up animals. There is an
interactive lesson
on my wiki under Interactive Lessons - Where the Wild Things Are.
Educated Fish
- thanks to Geoff Turrell
Not strictly speaking a WOTW but SGP32 was devoted to introducing this rich collection of resources.
Again not really a WOTW - but a superb free resource - see Ingrid Hyde's article in SGP31 and Simon Haughton's article in SGP33 for details.
Tudor Joust
- thanks to Amy Tuson a pupil at Radstock Primary School
Parachute is an enjoyable game where you have to create a parachute that will go the right speed and distance. This is a creative and unusual game and I really enjoyed playing it.
Tudor Joust is a very interesting game where you have lots of decisions to make. These include deciding shields, armour, horse and the place you will aim for to knock your opponent off the horse. The game is easy to use and very colourful and well designed.
- thanks to Doug Dickinson, our newsblog editor for this WOTW. It was first published as a news item on May 31st.
Tutpup is a set of interactive tests of basic skills. It currently has four sections: maths; maths mix; tables and spelling and each section operates at a variety of levels. You appear to be able to play against other people (children) across the world. It is well worth reading the help for parents section as the site builders seem to have tried very hard to make sure that the site is secure for young users.
Tutpup appear to be currently facing a shortage of available user name combinations so it is not possible to sign up as a new teacher user. You can however, see and use all the activities without signing up by playing as a guest.
- thanks to Steph Blackmore
Del.icio.us is a website where you save and organise your favourites online and access them at home, school or on any computer in the world connected to the web. Even when you get new computers you still have your bookmarks!
It's a social book-marking area where you can share websites with staff in school and find websites used by other Del.icio.us users - they've already done the work of finding an interesting website for you! Look at the popular sites too and you soon get to know some users within the key stage that you teach in.
The saved websites can be categorised and tagged by topics. I use it mainly for collecting Early Years resources and I refine my searching for quicker findings. A tip - when collecting tags use keywords, then save and sort into bundles as soon as possible to avoid getting overloaded with tags making them harder to find.
I have only recently found this website and I am sure there are lots more ways you can use Del.icio.us. So explore and enjoy! Good tagging!
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