text:
Holy War: How an unholy alliance of Catholics, Mormons, and evangelicals seeks to control our lives. By Jeff Inglis.
The keys to Heaven can make for good fundraising. By Jeff Inglis.
Or will there even be an Unholy Alliance to take on issues like this?
Fred Karger, a leader in the movement to expose the exact size of religious contributions to political campaigns, says he thinks the alliance "will unravel without any outside help," observing the Mormons' public retreat in the face of public outrage after the Prop 8 campaign. "The Catholic Church will be right behind them," Karger predicts, saying that even though their efforts succeeded in repealing same-sex marriage in Maine, the backlash did "tremendous damage to their reputation."
We should be so lucky.
Table of Contents
Cover Archive
Masthead | Authors | Contact us
See all articles by:
All Slideshows


text:
This charming book is in its second edition (the first was published in 1994). It is about integers, with a short section for each number between 1 and 200, and a line for each between 201 and 999. There are "boxes" for interesting facts and definitions, such as "perfect number", and a few "large numbers" also make the cut, including 1729, the subject of a famous anecdote about Hardy and Ramanujan, and 101000, the googol.
Most of us could not work without a computer, or have a good time without a CD player, and yet we know very little about the way computers work or the quantum mechanical principles behind lasers. These two subjects involve complex concepts and it is not easy to explain them in a brief book. Nevertheless, "A shortcut through time" manages to present a clear and enjoyable crash course on quantum computers, a science which lies at the intersection between quantum mechanics, computer science and mathematics.
It feels like we've always known that the universe began with a Big Bang, and like the Big Bang could never have been called anything else. But this is far from the truth, as Simon Singh explains in this overview of the state of human knowledge about the beginning of everything (or, as Calvin of "Calvin and Hobbes" preferred to call it, the Great Kablooie).
Infinity is more than simply the biggest ever number, and even this simple description has caused problems for mathematicians throughout the ages. From the ancient Greeks to Newton, from Newton to present-day mathematicians such as Cristian Claude and Boris Pavlov of New Zealand, infinity has posed both practical and conceptual problems.
In our day-to-day lives we all use, and are in fact dependent on, physics. For example, all of modern (and not so modern!) technology relies on our knowledge of underlying physical principles. However, physics is also one of the most commonly feared sciences, with many people put off by the complex details which have developed alongside the subject's sophistication.
Have you ever wondered how high a flea of the size of a human could jump, why rivers meander or how high a tree can grow? Mathematics in Nature provides answers to all these questions and many more, while introducing the reader to the ideas and methods of mathematical modelling.
This book from Professor Sir Michael Marmot (knighted for his services to epidemiology and understanding health inequalities) is concerned with a very simple question: why do people of higher status have better health and live longer than those of lower status?
I have never before read a book that has so frequently made me think "wow, that's interesting!". "Mathematics for the Imagination" is an absolutely fascinating account of mathematical methods and discoveries and the people behind them, with the sordid histories of mathematicians through the ages jostling for the reader's attention next to their elegantly simple proofs.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Group chat and rich emoticons now available in Gmail chat
November 28th, 2007 | Published in Gmail (Google Mail)
The new Gmail Seattle team is happy to announce two additions to Gmail's built-in chat capabilities: group chat and enhanced emoticons.
To start a group chat, click "Group chat" from the "Options" menu when chatting. Enter the names of the people you want to add, and, bingo, you're in your very own chat room. All the familiar features such as chat archiving and taking the chat off the record still work as well.
You'll also now notice a smiley face in the bottom right-hand corner of your chat window. You can still use regular emoticon keyboard shortcuts, such as :) or =P, but this menu lets you select the style of the emoticons you send. Beyond the good old classic Gmail smileys there are two brand new, rich emoticon styles.
These features only work with the latest version of Gmail, which we are still rolling out to IE6, international and Google Apps users. We're looking forward to using Gmail's new modular architecture to bring you more features like these with faster turnaround.


text:
Public Schooler -- one of the sad individuals with parents smart enough not to embarass them by having them test to get accepted into a real high school (Notre Dame Prep). Instead they recieved a free, ridiculously sub-par education providing only enough substance to help these sad individuals develop a slight grasp of the english language, so they could then write grammer school level comments about private school girls they spent their lives trying to be like. You know who you are... and you still can't get into the good parties. Give it up.
*Example of a PSer: See all negative comments about Notre Dame Prep*
by Notre Dame student Class of '98 September 29, 2006
by keyv leon June 12, 2007
The vengeful act of crapping on a lover's chest while they sleep.Buy the plush


text:
Good morning, y'all! No idea how I missed this forum before, but I'm glad I found it -- there seems to be a goodly number of Bama folk on board.
I'm in Shelby County, AL, out in the country; started with a couple of hives last Spring and will be adding to them this year. I hope to build the yard slowly over the next couple of years, so that when I fully retire, I will be knowledgeable enough to manage a couple of dozen hives. Meantime, I'm trying to connect with other beeks, joining the State Association, etc. in order to benefit from the experiences and wisdom of others.
Good to be here!


text:
Sunny Hacienda Flat + Pool
숙박 가능인원3
침실 수1
면적50 m²
Floor No.0
- 부엌
- 세탁기 / 건조기
- 주차
- 흡연가능
- 수영장
- 가족 / 아이들과 친근함
- 발코니/테라스
Accommodation summary
|Trasera calle granada, 29790 Chilches, Vélez-Málaga, 스페인
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
The apartment has one bedroom with 2 large single beds which can be put together to form a double, as well as a sofa. Cook great meals in the well-equipped kitchen, which includes a fridge, freezer, stove, and microwave. It opens on the living and dining room and also has a washing machine. Guests can also make use of the barbecue.
Málaga is just 20 minutes from the apartment by car. There, guests can explore an 11th century Moorish castle, a Roman theatre, and the Picasso Museum. There is a golf course just 5 minutes' drive away and the ocean is less than 10 minutes' walk away.
Guests can explore the wonderful hacienda, dotted with trees and nestled in the hills above the water. From the pool deck, enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
숙소규정A €150 deposit is required on check-in.
There is an optional fee for final cleaning and linen changes.
|2 명 이상시 가격
|1449295 ₩ 1박당/
|Check-in before
|환불 규정
Jose Luis und seine Frau Carmen, waren sehr hilfsbereit. Die Wohnung ist sehr gut eingerichtet und sauber,es ist alles vorhanden. Statt Klimaanlage sind Ventilatoren vorhanden, uns hat es aber nicht gestört.
Dieter und Silke aus Gräfendorf
Wunderschöne Finca, in toller Lage mit Blick aufs Meer. Gut geeignet als Ausgangspunkt zur Erkundung Andalusiens.
Sehr nette Gastgeber.
Jederzeit wieder.
Erstmal war es ein anderer Urlaub als Hotel oder in einer Stadt .Abseits von Trubel und sehr ruhig gelegen .Daher ,ohne Mietwagen , No Go.Die Appartements sind sehr sauber und das Haus strahlt wegen seiner Bauweise einen besonderen Flair aus . Spanisches Landleben, ruhig und einfach aber auch beschwerlich mit der Versorgung im ca.4 KM entfernten Hauptort.Beanstandungen wurden umgehends von den Verwaltern beseitigt und wir fühlten uns durch Jose und Carmen persöhnlich bestens betreut.Fazit ,Gute einfache und ruhige Unterkunft in zentraler traumhafter Lage zu den Touristenorten an der Costa Tropical und dem Andalusischen Hinterland.
이 호스트의 또 다른 숙소후기
It was great, our host and hostess were very kind and helpfull. The appartement was clean and well equiped. The location fine and the swimming pool very nice with a wonderful view over the sea!
We would very much like to come back, maybe with our whole family!
xxx Conny and Helma from the Netherlands
In an email correspondence with the host I asked whether it is possible our arrival at 1 am (night) for 7 days. The host replied - yes you can fix. Wimdu has levied a charge on my credit card for 7 days.
Why Wimdu gets the money in advance two months before your arrival?
That's unheard of!
Upon arrival in the middle of the night it turned out that our hut was not ready.
The host said that this night is extra and that can make us sleep in another apartment at an additional cost of 50 E. If it does not fit us, we can go and look for the hotel !!! (after traveling in the middle of the night !!!)
We agreed in thinking that the situation will become clear.
The next morning we moved to our cottage. The accommodation was consistent with the description on the website and from our expectations.
Only after a few days we met with the owner who brought wine ...
He apologized for the oversight of our arrival date. Unfortunately, not feeling up for the return of money for one night. He said that this is my problem and Wimdu.
We stayed 7 nights and we paid for 8 nights.
The whole behavior of the host was arrogant and unfair.
I do not recommend.
We have had a fantastic stay in Finca Buenavista, appartement Cadiz. A large, clean en well equipped appartement. Ideal for those who prefer a calm holiday far away from the touristic crowd and who want to enjoy the Spanish culture. The view on the Andalusian hills and ocean is fabulous. A car is necessary because supermarket and interesting places to visit aren't close.
José Louis and Carmen are very friendly, welcoming and helpfull! Thanks for everything!
It is a really nice private little house with private pool. If you are looking for some quietness, and still want to be close to the beach this is the place for you. You definitely need a car, since the house is a 7 minute drive to the coast (downhill!! so you cannot walk uphill easily). Also, you need not to be afraid of heights and narrow roads. ;-)
Recommended for a romantic getaway.
Buena Vista is a very nice place to stay. Super appartment and surroundings and the people are very kind and helpfull. It is quiet and there is a lot of space. We had a very good holiday there. Remember to rent a car. It it very far out :)
The apartment and the surrounding was really nice. The out view from the place was amazing. Clean and roomy apartment, options for BBQ, and a swimming pool we used a lot. We really enjoyed to be there, wish to go again. Thanks José Luis & Carmen! As the accommodation is not in a frequent place it is quite, but on the other side a rent or own car is highly recommended!
A beautiful spot near Malaga. Nice host, clean appartement. Quiet place. You can choose to clean the place yourself of pay the cleaning (60 euro's).
Nico swimming pool too.
- 확인된 숙소의 품질
- 모든 호스트는 전화로 입증되었습니다.


text:
forum: Everything else
#31 Tue 24 Apr 07 11:22am
nicky nacker-nocker
- Member
- Member since Wed 20 Sep 06
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
oh my god isn't that like gunpowder?! you mean they dip apricots in gunpowder?
i could have blown up my toilet! and all i was worried about was permanent skids in me knickers (not the best look when out on the pull i can tell you)
#32 Tue 24 Apr 07 11:36am
young mum
- Forum champ
- Member since Tue 22 Mar 05
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
#33 Tue 24 Apr 07 12:30pm
- Member
- From Jamie's office
- Member since Thu 06 Jul 06
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
#34 Tue 24 Apr 07 9:34pm
- Forum champ Occupation Secretary
- From Dublin - Ireland
- Member since Sun 01 Apr 07
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
Had a bad experience with dried prunes once... but the scampis from that cheap place we had lunch at today were brutal!!!
Still recovering!
#35 Tue 24 Apr 07 11:49pm
- Forum champ Occupation Save a tree, eat a Beaver
- From the boonies
- Member since Tue 22 Jun 04
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
Nicky you wear knickers? I figured you for a free flapping type of gal!
#36 Wed 02 May 07 11:42am
nicky nacker-nocker
- Member
- Member since Wed 20 Sep 06
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
oh i am mercedes believe me
but i'm not a northern lass you see so i do like to protect my frou-frou against harsh climates, don't want to dry out - i like to keep poised ready - warm and moist you know? like in that madonna song
#37 Wed 02 May 07 3:08pm
- Forum super champ Occupation Mother of 2 working more than full time
- From Wallerawang, Oz
- Member since Wed 29 Jun 05
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
goodness me but this forum is a surprise for the half asleep sometimes... I laughed so loud Im surprised the kids arent back up...
But as for the topic, from childhood nothing has had that affect on me. They used to make me take bran tablets I can still taste the wretched things & that was back in the early '80s.
Bring on the dried fruit
#38 Wed 02 May 07 3:16pm
- Member Occupation Fashion Designer, Animator and Geek
- From Australia
- Member since Wed 02 May 07
Re: apricots made my bottom explode
Well! I must say it would beat having some one filling you bowls with water and flushing it all out.
I am guessing you are feeling a hell of a lot better now that it is all out of your system.
but yes i think you could have done with out the explosion.


text:
Official: Boy asks elementary school classmates to sniff uncle's ashes
KENANSVILLE, DUPLIN COUNTY - Duplin County deputies and school officials said they could hardly believe it: a boy allegedly bringing the ashes of his dead uncle to class, and encouraging his friends to sniff the remains.
On Friday, May 3, a teacher at Kenansville Elementary School confiscated a pill bottle that the boy brought to class, according to Dawn Craft, director of public relations for Duplin County Schools. A test revealed that the bottle contained the ashes of the child's uncle, which his parents later confirmed.
According to the school, several students said they were offered the ashes; one even admitted to smelling the remains. The rest, however, denied ever sniffing the ashes.
"It was somewhat alarming," said Duplin County Sheriff Blake Wallace. "The good news is that the faculty and the staff at the school handled the situation very well. "I'm also proud of the students for not ingesting what they thought at the time could have been a controlled substance."
Kenansville Elementary alerted the families of all the students involved, Craft said. The school also sent out a letter to all parents, advising them to "talk to their children about trusting their instincts and not accepting anything that may seem suspicious, and to also immediately report any unusual activities to an adult."
"It sounds like the school handled things appropriately," a parent told NewsChannel 12. "You never know what little kids are going to do. I have little kids, so you can't just assume your kids won't just do something off the wall. They can surprise you."
School officials do not know how the boy got his hands on his uncle's ashes.
The Duplin County Health Department was contacted about the incident, and explained that it was not a communicable disease issue.
Most Popular
- Son kills father, himself in murder-suicide in Morehead City
- One dead, two injured after early-morning shooting in New Bern
- Coast Guard calls off search for missing Hyde County boaters off Georgia
- Dudley man shot, killed early Saturday; Goldsboro Police investigating
- Travelers out in bunches for Memorial Day weekend


text:
Drinking Man's Guide to Cinema
Check out what drinks go with your all-time favorite drinking films.
In 1916, Charlie Chaplin stumbled home soused in the short film One A.M. and spent the next 30 minutes drunkenly trying to make it into his bed. Audiences loved it, and this was the drinking movie born. Here are the ones we watch when we're sipping our favorite libations.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: The Thin Man. You can't make a reputable list of drinking movies without this 1934 caper from the Dashiell Hammett novel. Sleuthing spouses Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy) are constantly cocked as they solve a murder mystery. The movie is full of time-tested wisdom like this from detective Nick, delivered as he shakes up some of the film's plentiful martinis: "The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now, a manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a bronx to two-step time. A dry martini you always shake to waltz time."
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: Gin, vermouth, ice, a shaker, cocktail glasses and bags of style.
OR SHAKE UP: MASH (1970). Martinis from the jerrybuilt still in Hawkeye's tent always make us thirsty.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: The Big Lebowski, the 1998 Coen brothers ode to slack and bowling that made the white russian cool again. The Dude (Jeff Bridges) is seldom without a glass (or a joint) as he seeks retribution for the defiling of a rug that "really tied the room together, man." Becostumed superfans (a.k.a. achievers) gather annually for Lebowski Fest. This year it's May 7 and 8, in Los Angeles (lebowskifest.com).
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: Two ounces of vodka, one ounce of Kahlúa and one ounce of half and half on the rocks. Use nondairy creamer instead and it's called a caucasian. Sip yours every time someone says "dude."
MORE VODKA, PLEASE: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) reminds us what an underrated goddess Karen Allen is as she drinks a giant goon under the table in Nepal and out-sloshes a Frenchman in Egypt.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: Drunken Master (1978), the lighthearted kung-fu classic in which incorrigible troublemaker Freddie Wong (played by a young Jackie Chan) is taken under the wing of a homeless dipsomaniac master who, after brutalizing him with a torturous training regimen, teaches him the secret style of zui quan, which is "easier to master after you've had a drink." High jinks ensue. Go for the jaw-dropping slapstick martial arts (all of which are done by the actual actors), stay for the horrendous dubbing.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: They're probably drinking baijiu (it's China), but sake's pretty close, and we like it better. Try Tenzan or Kurosawa.
PREFER A RED? Sideways (2004) and Bottle Shock (2008) prove the impossible: Movies about wine nerds can be excellent fun.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: Casablanca (1942), the most romantic movie ever made. In a flashback to their salad days, Humphrey Bogart's Rick serves a champagne cocktail to the woman of his dreams (Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa) and deadpans, "Here's looking at you, kid."
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: Try the 1995 Henriot Cuvée des Enchanteleurs. It'll be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
OR UNCORK: High Society (1956), with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra vying for Grace Kelly while Louis Armstrong plays the Cole Porter soundtrack.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: Where the Buffalo Roam (1980), a scattered mess of a film redeemed by Bill Murray's virtuoso performance as the brilliant, if addled, Hunter S. Thompson as he half stumbles, half dances his way across the country in search of the American dream. It never gets weird enough for him. We're grateful.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: Six grapefruits, a bottle of Chivas, a bottle of Wild Turkey, a hunting knife and your attorney.
OR CRACK INTO: Deadwood (2004) for the Bulleit bourbon poured in most scenes, Lost in Translation (2003) for relaxing times or The Bank Dick (1940) for the heavyweight champion of drunken actors, W.C. Fields.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia(1974), the best piano-player-turned-hit-man movie ever. Fueled by a giant jug of booze in 1970s Mexico, Warren Oates becomes a desperado with an itchy trigger finger in order to recover the head of a deceased gigolo.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: A bottle of great, affordable tequila. We recommend Patrón, Milagro or Cabo Wabo. Make it blanco, baby.
OR TAKE A SHOT OF: Caddyshack (1980), for its unforgettable scene of Chevy Chase and Lacey Underall doing lines and tossing back Cuervo.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: The original college party flick, National Lampoon's Animal House (1978). Today delta punch is a generic term for frat-house jungle juice strong enough to get everyone Blutarskied but fruity enough that girls will partake.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: Mix to these time-tested proportions: one part sour (lime juice), two parts sweet (simple syrup), three parts strong (rum) and four parts weak (ice and juice). Serve in a (new) trash can.
OR LADLE UP SOME: Eggnog, as Chevy Chase does before his climactic tirade in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). Technically it's not punch, but since it's served in a bowl we'll count it.
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew (1983). Like Molson Golden, it's cheap, it's Canadian, and it goes down easy. Rick Moranis launched his film career with this bizarre tale of two boozed-up brothers who will do anything for free beer.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: A case of Molson. A toque.
ALSO ON TAP: Add a raw egg to your beer and you have Paul Newman's breakfast in The Verdict (1982). Add bourbon and you're Walter Matthau as coach "Boilermaker" in The Bad News Bears (1976).
DRINK WHILE WATCHING: The one and only Arthur (1981). Packed with A-list stars (Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, Sir John Gielgud), crackling comic dialogue and rivers of high-end booze, this is the movie that puts a happy face on alcoholism (we never even see Arthur Bach hungover) and seems to imply that not only can a man make the right choices about life-altering matters when blind drunk but that sometimes it actually helps. Plus, in one moment of clarity and pathos Arthur distills drinking as an avocation down to its core: "Not all of us who drink are poets. Some of us drink because we're not poets."
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: The contents of a medium-size liquor store, a steel liver, plenty of friends, no regrets.
YOU'LL ALSO WANT TO SUCK DOWN: Old School (2003), for the force of nature that is Frank the Tank.


text:
My Interview With Soledad O'Brien: On Career, Motherhood and More
Erica Diamond | Posted 01.17.2013 | Canada Living
Read More: Natural Disasters, Cnn, Blogher, Soledad O'Brien, Soledad O'Brien and Brad Raymond Foundation, American Journalist, TV Anchors, Hurricane Katrina, Soledad O'brien Mom, Starting Point, American Broadcaster, CNN Anchor, Canada Living News
When I met Soledad O'Brien for the first time in New York City, I was truly intrigued. Soledad was on her day off when we chatted. She was leaving the gym, and en route to do some errands as a multi-tasking career mom. Without further ado, I give you my interview with the brilliant and charismatic, Soledad O'Brien.


text:
OROVILLE — California Controller John Chiang said that California's financial condition is better than in previous years, but the threat of disaster still lingers.
Chiang spoke to about 450 people at the Northstate Economic Forecast Conference Thursday at Gold Country Casino event center, presented by the Center for Economic Development at Chico State University.
Californians need to remember: Don't go crazy over money, he said.
"The recession and its recovery were very delayed because of the build-up of debt at federal, state and local levels," he said, saying he is "still working" on state debt.
Taking on more debt and continuing to overspend got Californians into trouble before, which helped push the state into recession, he said.
"We're feeling more comfortable now," he said, "But the risk is still there."
California residents and the government must continue to be disciplined, said the controller, who was elected in 2006. This will be his last year in office.
Strides have been made from the days when he overrode the Legislature and the governor over bill payments and other financial actions.
But he credited Gov. Jerry Brown and the public support of Proposition 30 for helping education. Previously, there were 188 school districts in some financial trouble, he said. "That's down to 92 at the last report."
In regard to California residents, Chiang said the recession has helped them become better savers and wiser spenders. Many are still struggling from the hit of homes, pensions and retirement accounts losing value.
While the feeling of economic well-being is being restored in California, he said the levels of employment and wage increases have not returned to pre-recession normal.
"I don't want people to forget that California was close to financial disaster."
Chiang reminded the gathering there are issues from wellness to water bothering California.
Like it or not, the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. In the long run, it can save taxpayer dollars and it is creating jobs, he said.
Regarding jobs, Chiang called for the partnership of education and business to replace the jobs permanently lost during the recession. There are jobs that will never be seen again, he said.
Education will provide the skills for those new jobs, so don't short-change classroom funding, he said.
California needs to come up with a plan to pay down CalPERS debt.
"If we don't do it now, no one will have the discipline to do it in the future," he said.
And Chiang reminded businesses that consumers around the globe make up the new markets. Don't ignore them, he said.
Reach Laura Urseny at 896-7756, firstname.lastname@example.com, or on Twitter @LauraUrseny.


text:
Draco the Dragon
UTSA's ITC opens 'Here Be Dragons!' exhibit
By James Benavides
Public Affairs Specialist
(April 16, 2007)--UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) will be home to a 10-foot-tall, smoke-breathing dragon in the exhibit, "Here Be Dragons!," from April 22 to Nov. 4.
Draco, a green-scaled Western dragon with a 16-foot wingspan, will welcome guests to the exhibit exploring the origins, symbolism and cultural significance of the dragon through history.
Today's headlines
- La Prensa Foundation is newest member of UTSA Lone Star Society
- UTSA alumna Jordan Kaufmann wins $50K for new stent-graft start-up
- UTSA begins new way-finding sign installation this summer at Main Campus
- USA Today: UTSA long jumper Tyler Williamson rescues three-year-old boy
Article tools
"The dragon is a consistent image across countless cultures, many of which are represented in Texas," says John Davis, ITC executive director. "So many cultures tell stories of great serpents with magical powers over wind, water, lightning and fire. As stories and legends travel, each culture embellishes upon them to suit local needs. The result is a pantheon of stories that still inspire us today."
In addition to Draco, "Here Be Dragons" will include the legendary creatures of other dragon families, including a bright-red Chinese dragon, representing Eastern cultures, and the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl, representing Aztec and American Indian mythologies.
The family-friendly exhibit features "Draco's Den," a special children's area with building stations sponsored by the Texas Lego Users Group and a collection of dragon storybooks to read while sitting on "dragon's egg" beanbag chairs. Three wisecracking dragons will appear in a new puppet show, "Fantasy Idol." Finally, families can go on on a modern-day dragon hunt, giving GPS coordinates to track down dragons around San Antonio.
UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures is at 801 S. Bowie St., San Antonio, Texas 78205. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday; closed Monday. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children (ages 3-12), seniors (65+) and military with I.D.
For more information, call (210) 458-2330.
UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures is San Antonio's cultural-experience museum. Established as the Texas State Exhibits Building for HemisFair in 1968 and later designated as a campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio, the museum has spent nearly 40 years telling the stories of Texas' diverse citizens and inviting guests to join in the celebration of Texas' multicultural heritage. Home to the Texas Folklife Festival, Asian Festival and six other cultural events, the institute seeks to entertain, inform and inspire those aspiring to a greater understanding of the influence of multiculturalism in the Lone Star State.


text: I had a tree trimmed that had a beehive in it. The bees are now laying outside the trunk of the tree (the hollow part was trimmed away) and I'm wondering if there's a way to entice them into a "box" to save them. Its cold today (in the low 40's) but in a day or two it will be back in the 70's. Any ideas?


text:
As you may have heard, Twitter is going public. The social media company tweeted last week that it had filed the first papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on the way toward their initial public offering, or IPO.
Twitter is filing its IPO paperwork under a provision in the Jobs Act, which allows companies with revenues less than $1 billion to confidentially submit a draft registration statement to the SEC. The small companies are called emerging growth in the Jobs Act, and they have to publicly file their registration 21 days before the IPO roadshow begins. The roadshow is when company executives visit bigwigs and institutional investors to drum up interest in the company and nicely ask for their money.
The Jobs Act gives emerging-growth companies a break on some auditing and accounting standards as well as post-IPO disclosure requirements.
"Twitter knew that by filing under the Jobs Act, that they were going to provide less information about the current revenue or else they would be undervalued. They need the speculation thrown into the mix and a little bit of mystery to ensure that they weren't judged that closely to Facebook based on current numbers," says Ryan Cohn, vice president of social and digital operations at Sachs Media Group in Tallahassee, Fla.
Comparisons to the Facebook filing are inevitable, but looking at the two social media companies side by side may do the smaller company no favors when their finances and future plans for revenue are revealed. Twitter is thought to be worth $10.5 billion, according to a Zacks.com blog post from last week, "Twitter set to go public."
"Facebook, between large corporate advertising, API and a variety of other products was already so much farther along in the monetization process when they IPO'd," says Cohn. API means application programming interface, a program that lets applications communicate with each other.
"And (Facebook) had so much more of an ongoing revenue base, it was easier to predict their value. Twitter, on the other hand, has only started monetizing really this year," he says.
Despite its short track record, Twitter's IPO may be a success. If it is, it could clear the way for more social media companies.
"Up to now, there has been a significant lack of private equity investment in social media companies. If the Twitter IPO ends up successful and Facebook maintains upward momentum, I anticipate a number of private equity firms getting into the arena, which will lead to more and more future IPOs," says Cohn.
What do you think about the prospective Twitter IPO?
Follow me on Twitter: @SheynaSteiner.
Senior investing reporter Sheyna Steiner is a co-author of "Future Millionaires' Guidebook," an e-book written by Bankrate editors and reporters. It's available at all the major e-book retailers.