text:
Deer Hunting Forums (http://www.deerhuntersclub.com/forums/)
- Christian Corner (http://www.deerhuntersclub.com/forums/christian-corner/)
- - Be Aware... (http://www.deerhuntersclub.com/forums/christian-corner/12026-aware.html)
Be Aware...
I think I posted something along this topic about a year ago or so- but I'm not sure. I have a great Sunday School teacher who does an outstanding job of relating God's word to everyone's life. This past Sunday he reminded me of something he taught me a LONG time ago but had forgot. In our walk everyday in life, many times we think, "I'm not feeling pressured by satan at all". This is a scary time in anyone's life. When you feel as though satan is not pressuring you to do bad... that's because you are distant from God. Remember, ALL satan wants you to do is ignore God. He doesn't care if you do bad thing, persay, he wants you to NOT be one of God's children. So when you feel like satan is leaving you alone, he is, but it's because you have not been in touch with God. The truth is, when your relationship with God is strong, satan is going to tempt you, he is going to throw things in your way to aggravate you, but when you are strong in Christ, these obstacles mean nothing because you have Him for help. I'm sure we all know people who feel like they don't have to go to church or worship God because they are "good people" and they "always do the right thing". Well, satan is ok with you being a good person and always doing the right thing... this is because you are NOT strong in God. Think about it like this...
If you had an enemy here on earth, I mean someone you absolutely hated with passion... Now, let's say you go out and meet 9 new people today. 3 of the people know this hated enemy of yours and they are all good friends to him/her- how would you react? 3 of the people don't have a clue who this enemy is at all, never met him/her- You probably wouldn't even talk about your hated enemy huh? The final 3, know who this enemy is, but don't really have any feelings one way other another towards him/her- What would you do to persuade them to NOT like this enemy?
So now replace yourself with satan and the enemy as God. Get the picture?
Time to pray! Thanks for reading guys/gals
Tator, thanks for the post!!!
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There's a nasty virus out there, the W32IRCBot.Worm. It's an Internet Relay Chat-based virus that takes advantage of unpatched Windows systems via the MS05-039 vulnerability.
The Worm received a High security risk assessment from McAfee when it was initially discovered on the 17 August 2005 due to prevalence. The next day the virus was downgraded to a Medium security risk due a decline in the rapid infections, but still warns that this is a serious threat to unpatched systems.
The W32IRCBot can scan systems looking for any that are unpatched and creates a buffer overflow that allows the attacker to write files to windows using the TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) using port 8594. The Worm writes a file to the Windows directory (C:\Windows\System32\ on Win XP) with the file name of as WINTBP.EXE along with the registry key …
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "wintbp.exe"
… that tells the system to launch the Worm on Windows startup. Since this Worm is an IRCBot, once the virus has infected a system it attempts to contact it's server and wait for further instructions.
* Learn more about web bots here…
A tell tale sign of infection is your system rebooting for no apparent reason and possible system performance degradation. If you do become infected you can remove the virus with the Mcafee Stinger, a downloadable virus removal tool—get it here…
To avoid infection altogether you may want to make sure that your Windows exploit (MS05-039) is patched by performing a Windows update. Along with this, of course, you should confirm that you have the latest Dat files or updates from your anti-virus vendor, which will help the application spot and hopefully remove the virus from your system. One more line of defense if you run a firewall is to shut down the port the virus attempts to enter from, Port 8594—this should essentially "lock the door" to any attempts to infect your system.
Stay safe out there,
~ Chad Stelnicki

subset: commoncrawl


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BLM issues final decision on Little Snake plan
October 19, 2011
Craig — The Bureau of Land Management released Monday the record of decision for the Little Snake resource management plan in Northwest Colorado.
The record of decision is the final step of an extensive, multiyear effort to develop a resource management plan for the 1.3 million acres of BLM-administered public lands and an additional 1.1 million acres of subsurface mineral estate administered by the Little Snake Field Office in Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco counties.
"There has been extensive public and cooperator involvement throughout this process, which began in 2004," Little Snake Field Manager Wendy Reynolds said. "We have used this involvement to develop a plan that balances protection of sensitive resources with resource use."
Major issues include energy and mineral development, transportation and travel management, and wildlife habitat, particularly for sage grouse, mule deer and elk.
The record of decision carries forward the specific decisions from the proposed resource management plan released in August 2010. These decisions include closing the 77,000-acre Vermillion Basin to oil and gas leasing and an approach to conserve key sagebrush habitat while allowing oil and gas development.
Craig teacher David Morris has come out in support of the record of decision, saying the BLM took the public's opinion to heart.
"With this plan, the BLM has finally listened to what many locals in Northwest Colorado have been saying for years: that the public lands we have up here are some of the most spectacular lands this country has left," Morris said in a BLM news release. "We believe these lands are worth protecting."
However, the plan also has been criticized.
Some area conservationists think the decision is unbalanced, puts certain species in danger and provides too much land for energy development.
"While we are pleased to see the Vermillion Basin protected, we are dismayed that the plan still opens around 90 percent of the area to oil and gas drilling, leaving 10 percent for the myriad other uses of these amazing lands," Soren Jespersen, of The Wilderness Society, said in a joint news release with the Colorado Environmental Coalition and Friends of the Yampa, a Steamboat Springs-based river advocacy group.


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Where: 1886 Notre-Dame West
Kind of food: Smokehouse
Usual Suspects: Business crowd (lunch), rowdy groups for sports events, couples, etc.
Why I love it: It's delicious, fun, and the terrace is one of a kind
Why you'll love it: The atmosphere speaks for itself – a dare you to say you didn't love it
Who to take: Friends, second or third date
I ordered: Chicken salad ($14) and a pint of Rickards Blonde ($7)
Price: $$$
Sitting at the three-way intersection between lower downtown, Little Burgundy and what is quickly becoming a hotbed for development, Griffintown, lies a gem of a restaurant called Le Boucan.
It seems as though everyone in the city has caught on to the pulled pork craze, from small cafés serving up pulled pork paninis or salads – hell, even Subway added the delicious shoulder meat to their menu. I remember chowing down on some a couple years back, not knowing what I was in for… but it was like love at first bite.
Despite the abundance of competition, Le Boucan is right up there as one of the best. Making its claim to fame as a smokehouse, this restaurant serves everything up with a hint of charcoal flavour, leaving your senses tingling with that smoky wood, summer BBQ feeling. No matter what you get – from the (obvious choice of) pulled pork to expertly glazed baby back ribs or grilled Atlantic salmon, there's something for everyone on the menu. Next time I'm definitely gonna start things off with the pulled pork poutine – I just have to find someone daring enough to split it with me, because there's no way one person can walk away from that battle alive.
As it was my second visit, I ordered the chicken salad (don't judge me…), which was served in a large bowl with everything from fried onions and grilled zucchini to diced carrots, green shallots, and red, orange, and a yellow peppers. It was fantastic. The chicken was prepared in the same fashion as pulled pork, served stripped and braised in an amazingly juicy sauce. I ordered an ice-cold Rickards Blonde to wash it down, and set myself up in arguably the most beautiful terrace this fine city has to offer. With four tables shadowed under the overhanging trees and lined up alongside the fence, another elevated table has eight bar stools is perfect for any event. The whole atmosphere has a rustic feel to it and adds even more flavour to that southern, Texan swag.
Head down for a savoury lunch or dinner, but just make sure to give them a call if you're planning on eating during peak hours. This place is slammed day and night, and there are good reasons why. And if you're looking for something to do afterwards, there are a couple cafés and antique shops nearby that would round up that date nicely. Be warned though: bring your big wallet – it's not the cheapest place in the city.
Eat up!


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High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), one of the world's largest makers of handheld devices based on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Mobile software, has signed a deal to offer support for BlackBerry wireless services on devices that it manufactures, according to the company.
Although HTC maintains a low profile among consumers, the company has long been considered a powerhouse within the handheld device industry, designing and manufacturing devices for other, better-known companies. The Taoyuan, Taiwan, company's work includes Hewlett-Packard Co.'s iPaq handhelds and O2 Ltd.'s Xda handhelds. HTC was also the first company to demonstrate a Microsoft-based mobile phone.
Under the agreement with Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM), HTC plans to start adding Blackberry Connect to some devices, allowing mobile operators to offer Windows Mobile-based devices that can access e-mail and other services offered by RIM's popular BlackBerry service.
BlackBerry Connect will first be offered with keyboard-based devices made by HTC and will be expanded as an option on other devices in the future, said Maggie Cheng, a spokeswoman for HTC.
One of the first HTC-made devices that is likely to offer BlackBerry Connect is the HTC Universal, a clam-shell 3G (third-generation) device that sports a full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a rotating display. The Universal will ship during the middle of this year, but not all of the devices produced will necessarily ship with BlackBerry Connect installed, Cheng said.
"That depends on our customers," she said.
To date, two mobile operators have announced plans to offer the Universal under their own brand names, Cheng said. Those two operators are: Vodafone Group, which will sell the Universal as the VPA IV, and T-Mobile International AG & Co. KG, which will offer the device as the MDA IV. Both operators also offer the BlackBerry service, according to their Web sites.
Both the VPA IV and MDA IV are expected to be available during the middle of this year. Pricing was not disclosed.


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Sweden is among the most progressive nations in the world, but its sex laws sometimes make one wonder as to who is in charge of the country. In January, 1999, the Swedish government decided that it was a criminal act to solicit someone for sex, but it was perfectly legal to offer sex for sale. In theory, the idea was to protect women who had been caught in human trafficking, but the reality is that prostitution goes on and on since it can be a mite difficult to ascertain exactly who initiated the sexual offer. To compound the madness, the Malmo council has announced it was distributing free condoms to men who engaged in sex with a protstitute.
Let's see. It is illegal to offer money to a woman in order to have sex, but the Malmo council will provide free condoms to men engaged in an act that is criminal. OK, there is a bit of logic in this, but to a normal mind, it is difficult to ascertain.


text:
LabTech ergonomic wood laboratory stools are durable and fully washable, making them ideal for almost any environment. The 360° all-around height adjustment ring can be operated from any position.These desk height laboratory stools feature your choice of black rolling casters or black glides.
Each ergonomic laboratory stool is backed by our 12 year warranty. This laboratory stool is also available in medium or high bench height.
|Pneumatic Adjustment
|16 ½-21" adjustable height measured from the top of the seat to the floor. 360° all-around adjustment ring
|Seat Width
|13 ¾" diameter
|Seat Material
|Seven-ply furniture grade hardwood with natural finish
|Available in black rolling, non-marring casters (suitable for both hard and carpeted floors) or black, non-marring bell glides (suitable for both hard and carpeted floors)
|25" 5-leg nylon reinforced with fiberglass
|Weight Capacity
|300 lbs
|12 year parts, lifetime on cylinder


text:
Help find Ellie
By Ansley Lacitis
I want to thank all the wonderful Ballard people who are helping me find my lost dog, Ellie, whom I lost last Thursday night.
The blog I created, www.FindEllie.blogspot.com, received over 1700 page hits the first day alone. The blog has even been viewed by people in Nigeria, the UK, Argentina, and Australia.
But it's the wonderful reactions I've gotten from folks at the supermarkets, on the street corners, and at the stores that have overwhelmed me.
I have passed out nearly 700 leaflets. Obviously, Ellie means the world to me.
"I feel for you," a woman told me. "I once lost my dog for a week, but someone found her."
I've heard many stories from people about their dogs and how much they mean to them.
I am a Seattle native now studying law at Georgetown University Law Center. Ellie is my constant companion and keeps me sane while I study.
I was in Seattle over the holidays visiting my family and was excited to meet Ellie and was excited for them to meet her.
I still have high hopes for finding Ellie, who for some reason jumped out of my mini-van last Thursday at 7 p.m. in front of the Majestic Bay Theatres when I was picking up my brother and his girlfriend.
She ran across Market Street, was possibly sideswiped by a car, and kept running south.
Since then, Ellie has been spotted (apparently unhurt) near the Fred Meyer, Gilman Playground, and in front of the Red Mill Totem House. I have a page on the blog devoted to tracking the sightings:
So if you see Ellie, here is my email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
We encourage our readers to comment. No registration is required. We ask that you keep your comments free of profanity and keep them civil. They are moderated and objectionable comments will be removed.


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Digital Baby
Our PR team came together recently in our funky meeting room, Hollywood North to brainstorm jaw-dropping headlines for a survey we were planning to undertake about the junk in peoples' lives. The white board was jam-packed and my hand was sore from jotting down ideas. This was our second go-round and our sharp and innovative team was beginning to feel a little deflated. And then one of the group asked if we'd heard about the baby who thought a magazine was an ipad that didn't work.
That did it. Result achieved: my jaw dropped, and stayed there until my team mates began to exchange awkward looks. (The generation gap in the room made this not quite so shocking for them. After all, the last shocker of this kind I had experienced was the one about the child who was confused by his Dad's instructions to "turn the shiny black vinyl disc to the other side." Sorry, guys, but I think that was you!).
So now we were on to something. What does this say about our society? Recently Encyclopedia Britannica, the oldest English-language encyclopedia, in print since 1768, halted the printing press forever. And now our babies are perplexed and frustrated by the glossy, yet static, magazine photos that don't respond to their nimble fingers.
The team was excited at the possibility of stumbling on to a great headline, until it dawned on us that 1-800-GOT-JUNK? must contribute to the loss of these items in young peoples' lives. We haul away a lot of books! Yes, many of them are donated to shelters, thrift stores, and the like. But how long will that last for when the printed form is fast becoming an antique relic?
Or do we look at this in another way? That is, are we contributing to simplifying peoples' lives by clearing away the clutter of items that – let's face it – aren't being used anyway? No matter which view you take, the results are the same: kids are growing up in a new, digital world and there is no way to stop it. The best we can do is provide some sage advice: hang on to those special books that had so much meaning to you as a child, or that you've read over and over again as an adult. Make a space for them in your otherwise clutter-free home. The energy of a good book, after all, is more uplifting than the energy of unused and dusty junk.


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The principal function of a current transformer is to produce a manageable level of voltage and current, proportional to the current flowing through its primary winding, for the operation of measuring of protective devices.
In its most basic form, a CT consists of a laminated steel core, a secondary winding around the core, and insulating material surrounding the windings.
When alternating current travels through an electrical conductor, like cable or bus, it develops a magnetic field at right angles to the flow of current.
If this current is passed through the primary winding of a CT the iron core inside becomes magnetized which then induces a voltage in the secondary coils. If the secondary circuit is closed, a current proportional to the CT ratio will flow through the secondary.
Current Transformer Types
Window and Bar Type CTs are the most common current transformers found in the field. Photo Credit: ABB
There are four typical types of current transformers: window, bushing, bar, and wound.
The primary winding can consist merely of the primary current conductor passing once through an aperture in the current transformer core (window- or bar-type) or it may consist of two or more turns wound on the core together with the secondary winding (wound type).
Window CTs are constructed with no primary winding and can be of solid or split core design. These CTs are installed around the primary conductor and are the most common CT type found in the field. Installation of solid core window CTs require the primary conductor to be disconnected.
Split core window CTs can be installed without first disconnecting the primary conductor. These CTs are commonly used in power monitoring and metering applications.
Bar-type CTs operate on the same principle of Window CTs but have a permanent bar installed as a primary conductor. Bar types are available with higher insulation levels and are usually bolted to the current caring device.
SF6 110 kV Bushing CTs. Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Bushing CTs are window CTs that are specifically designed to fit around a bushing. Usually these CTs cannot be accessed, and their nameplates are found on the transformer or circuit-breaker control cabinet.
Wound CTs have a primary and secondary winding just like a normal transformer. These CTs are rare and are usually used at very low ratios and currents, typically in CT secondary circuits to compensate for low currents, to match different CT ratios in summing applications, or to isolate different CT circuits.
These current transformers have very high burdens, and special attention to the source CT burden should be applied when wound CTs are used.
Voltage Class
The CT voltage class determines the maximum voltage the CT may come in direct contact with. For example, a 600V window CT cannot be installed on or around a bare 2400V conductor. However a 600V window CT can be installed around a 2400V cable if the CT is installed around the insulated portion of the cable and the insulation is rated correctly.
The CT ratio is the ratio of primary current input to secondary current output at full load. For example, a CT with a ratio of 300:5 is rated for 300 primary amps at full load and will produce 5 amps of secondary current when 300 amps flow through the primary.
If the primary current changes the secondary current output will change accordingly. For example, if 150 amps flow through the 300 amp rated primary the secondary current would be 2.5 amps.
In the past, there were two main values of secondary current typically used in measuring current. In the United States, engineers typically use a 5-amp output. Other countries have adopted a 1-amp output.
With the advent of microprocessor meters and relays, the industry is seeing the 5-amp or 1-amp secondary being replaced with a mA secondary. Typically, devices with mA output are called "current sensors," as opposed to current transformers.
Split-Core CT rated for 200A. Notice the polarity marking at the center of the core indicating the direction of the source. Photo Credit: Continental Control Systems, LLC
The polarity of a current transformer is determined by the direction of the coils are wound around the core of the CT (clockwise or counter clockwise) and by the way the secondary leads are brought out of the transformer case.
All current transformers are subtractive polarity and will have the following designations to guide proper installation:
- H1 - Primary current, line facing direction
- H2 - Primary current, load facing direction
- X1 - Secondary current (multi ratio CTs have additional secondary terminals)
On subtractive polarity transformers the H1 primary lead and the X1 secondary lead are on the same side of the transformer.
It is very important to observe correct polarity when installing and connecting current transformers to power metering and protective relays.
CT polarity is also sometimes indicated with an arrow. These CTs should be installed with the arrow pointing in the direction of current flow.
How to Test CT Polarity
Markings on current transformers have been occasionally misapplied by the factory. You can verify the polarity of a CT in the field with a 9V battery with the following test procedure:
- Disconnect all power prior to testing and connect an analog voltmeter to the secondary terminal of the CT to be tested. The positive terminal of the meter is connected to terminal X1 of the CT while the negative terminal is connected to X2.
- Run a piece of wire through the high side of the CT window and momentarily make contact with the positive end of the 9-volt battery to the H1 side (sometimes marked with a dot) and the negative end to the H2 side. It is important to avoid continuous contact, which will short circuit the battery.
- If polarity is correct, the momentary contact causes a small deflection in the analog meter in the positive direction. If the deflection is negative the polarity of the current transformer is reversed. The terminals X1 and X2 need to be reversed and the test can be carried out.
Markings on current transformers have been occasionally misapplied by the factory. You can verify the polarity of a CT in the field with a 9V battery.
CT Accuracy Class
Since no transformer is ideal there are small energy losses such as eddy currents,* and heat caused by current flowing through the windings, the secondary current that is produced does not faithfully reproduce the power system current waveform.
The extent to which the secondary current magnitude differs from the calculated value expected by virtue of the CT ratio is defined by the accuracy class of the CT. The greater the number used to define the class, the greater the permissible deviation in the secondary current from the calculated value (error).
Except for the least accurate classes, the CT accuracy class also defines the permissible phase angle displacement between primary and secondary currents.
Depending on their accuracy class, current transformers are divided into Metering Accuracy or Protection (or relay) accuracy. A CT can have ratings for both groups.
Metering Accuracy CTs are rated for specified standard burdens and are designed to be highly accurate from very low current to the maximum current rating of the CT. Because of their high degree of accuracy, these current transformers are typically used by utility companies for billing purposes.
Relay Accuracy CTs are not as accurate as Metering Accuracy CTs. They are designed to perform with a reasonable degree of accuracy over a wider range of current. These CTs are typically used for supplying current to protective relays. The wider range of current allows the protective relay to operate at different fault levels.
The CT accuracy class is comprised of a number-letter-number combination as set forth in ANSI C57.13
You can find the Accuracy Class of a CT by looking at its nameplate or manufacturers label.
The CT accuracy class is comprised of a number-letter-number combination as set forth in ANSI C57.13 and is broken into three parts: rated ratio accuracy rating, class rating, and maximum burden.
Rated Ratio Accuracy Rating - This number is simply the rated ratio accuracy expressed as a percent. For example, a CT with an accuracy class of 0.3B0.1is certified by the manufacturer to be accurate to within 0.3 percent of its rated ratio value for a primary current of 100 percent of rated ratio.
Current Transformer Class Rating - The second part of the CT Accuracy Class is a letter that designates the application for which the CT is rated. A current transformer may have dual ratings and be used in metering or protection applications, if both ratings are listed on the nameplate.
- C - Indicates that the CT has a low leakage flux, which means accuracy can be calculated prior to manufacturing
- T - Indicates that the CT may have a significant leakage flux and accuracy must be determined by the factory.
- H - Indicates that the CT accuracy is applicable within the entire range of secondary currents from five to 20 times the nominal CT rating. These are typically wound CTs.
- L - Indicates that the CT accuracy applies at the maximum rated secondary burden at 20 times rated only. The ratio accuracy can be up to four times greater than the listed value, depending on connected burden and fault current. These are typically window, bushing, or bar-type CTs.
CT Burden
The third part of the CT Accuracy Class is the maximum burden allowed for the CT. Like all transformers, a current transformer can only transform a finite amount of energy. The energy limitation of a CT is referred to as the *maximum burden. If this limit is exceeded, CT accuracy is not guaranteed.
For Metering Class CTs, burden is expressed as ohms impedance. For example, the ratio of a 0.3B0.1 rated CT is accurate to 0.3 percent if the connected secondary burden impedance does not exceed 0.1 ohms. A 0.6B8 rated metering-class CT will operate within 0.6 percent accuracy if the secondary burden does not exceed 8.0 ohms.
Relay class CT burdens are expressed as volt-amperes and are displayed as the maximum secondary voltage allowable if 20 times the CT rating (100A for a 5A secondary CT) were to flow through the secondary circuit. For example, a 2.5C100 protection CT is accurate within 2.5 percent if the secondary burden is less than 1 ohm (100 volts / 100 amperes).
How to Calculate CT Burden
- Determine the burden of the device connected to the CT in VA or ohms impedance, this information is typically found on the device nameplate or data sheet.
- Add the impedance of the secondary wire run. Measure the length of the wire between the current transformer and the burden of the device connected to the secondary circuit (found in step 1).
- Make sure the total burden does not exceed the specified limits for the CT.


text:
CANADA STOCKS-Hard-hit miners, railways push TSX lower
(Adds strategist's comment, updates prices to close)
* TSX ends down 57.66 points, or 0.40 percent, at 14,193.87
* Nine of 10 main sectors fall
By Alastair Sharp
TORONTO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index fell on Tuesday, its seventh decline in the last nine sessions, with miners and railways leading a broad retreat as copper hit a six-year low and Chinese equities tumbled.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd plunged 9.7 percent to C$7.65 and Teck Resources Ltd shed 8 percent to C$8.39.
"The rally that we saw in late July has pretty much been snuffed out," said Elvis Picardo, a strategist at Global Securities in Vancouver. "And it looks like the TSX is inexorably on track to test the 14,000 support level again."
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index lost 57.66 points, or 0.40 percent, to end at 14,193.87. Nine of its 10 main sectors fell.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by 147 to 92, for a 1.60-to-1 ratio on the downside, while the index posted three new 52-week highs and 21 new 52-week lows. Continued...


text: Last spring when I was covering Jim Kenney's LGBT Equality Bill, I visited the councilman's office in City Hall to learn more about it. During our conversation, I noticed he kept deferring to his young assistant in the corner, particularly when I asked about the many components extending rights to Philly's transgender community. The assistant's name was Chris Goy, 26, and what I later found out is that he was the driving force behind creating the bill, the person who hit the streets to talk to locals about ways to make Philadelphia better when it comes to offering all-inclusive LGBT rights, the person who wrote the entire thing — all 35 pages of it.


text:
Illinois Public Media
All articles tagged Events
Taste of Champaign-Urbana Begins Friday Night
Upcoming Martin Luther King Jr., Day Events
Listing of 9/11 Memorial Observances
Urbana Sweetcorn, Sangamon River Festivals This Weekend
Farm Aid 25th Anniversary on WILL
Community Cinema: "We Still Live Here"
5th Annual "Reaching Out for Answers: Disability Resource Expo"
Page 1 of 1 pages
WILL Highlights
A short film series examining the severe underrepresentation of African-Americans in the sciences.
Classic Mornings
Get more out of your classical music experience and check out Vic Di Geronimo's blog.
The 21st
21st century radio for the 21st state. Weekdays at 11 am on WILL-AM 580.


text:
If Illeana is very happy to do another lead role in a movie production, Anushka is not at all content to do a lead part in a huge Hindi picture. The news came as a surprise to all, as B-town actress Anushka has turned down this huge career opportunity. As anyone knows, all actresses would be all over such a great chance, but this is not the case of Anushka.
The part she was offered to play was in a Bollywood flick which is a remake after tamil film Singam. In the original version she had the lead part, but she is not interested in doing the remake. The director Rohith Shetty has asked Anushka to the part, as he felt she is the best one for it.
But the actress did not seem at all interested and refused him very politely. Her exact words were that she feels "comfortable in South film industry". As she is one of the most wanted persons in the Telugu and Tamil, she does not want to get back in Bollywood.


text:
|Welcome to Absolutely Joanna Lumley, a forum dedicated to the actress Joanna Lumley.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest. You're most welcome to join our forum, which gives you access to all forum boards and allows you to communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, and access many other special features.
We hope to welcome you soon!


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Unformatted text preview: PART 1 MECHANICS CHAPTER 2 MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE ActivPhysics can help with these problems: Activities 1.2–1.9 Section 2-1: Distance, Time, Speed, and Velocity Problem 1. In 1996 Donovan Bailey of Canada set a world record in the 100-m dash, with a time of 9.84 s. What was his average speed? Solution Bailey's average speed was (Equation 2-1) ¯ v = Δ x/ Δ t = 100 m / 9 . 84 s = 10 . 16 m/s . (One can assume that the race distance was known to more than four significant figures.) Problem 2. When races in a track meet are timed manually, timers start their watches when they see smoke from the starting gun, rather than when they hear the gun. How much error is introduced in timing a 200-m dash over a straight track if the watch is started on the sound rather than the smoke? The speed of sound is about 340 m/s. Solution Suppose the timer stands at the finish line, 200 m from where the starting gun is fired. The time required for a signal to travel this distance at speed v is Δ t = Δ r/v = 200 m /v . Because the speed of light is so great, the puff of smoke is seen after a negligible delay, as far as conventional watches are concerned, Δ t = 200 m / 3 × 10 8 m/s = 0 . 67 μ s . The travel time for a sound signal, however, Δ t = 200 m / 340 m/s = . 59 s, would introduce a significant error, if times are recorded to the nearest hundredth of a second. (For a manually operated timing device, the error due to human reaction time is about 0.2 s.) Problem 3. In 1996, Josia Thugwame of South Africa won the Olympic Marathon, completing the 26-mi, 385-yd course in 2 h 12 min 36 s. What was Thugwame's average speed, in meters per second? Solution ¯ v = Δ r Δ t = (26 + 385 / 1760) mi (2 + 756 / 3600) h = 11 . 9 mi h ≈ 5 . 30 m s , or a little over half the speed of Bailey's 100 m dash in Problem 1. (Runners usually compute their average pace, 1 / ¯ v, which in this case was 5 min 3.4 s per mile. See Appendix C for the appropriate conversion factors.) Problem 4. Human nerve impulses travel at about 10 2 m/s. Estimate the minimum time that must elapse between the time you perceive a stalled car in front of you and the time you can activate the muscles in your leg to brake your car. (Your actual "reaction time" is much longer than this estimate.) Moving at 90 km/h, how far would your car travel in this time? Solution Suppose the neural path length from the brain to the leg muscles (the quadriceps) is about 1 m long. The travel time for nerve impulses is about 1 m / 10 2 m/s = 10 − 2 s . A car moving at 90 km/h would travel Δ r = v Δ t = (90 × 10 3 m / 3600 s) × (10 − 2 s) = 25 . 0 cm during this interval. Problem 5. Starting from home, you bicycle 24 km north in 2.5 h, then turn around and pedal straight home in 1.5 h. What are your (a) displacement at the end of the first 2.5 h, (b) average velocity over the first 2.5 h, (c) average velocity for the homeward leg of the trip, (d) displacement for the entire trip, and (e) average velocity for the entire trip?(e) average velocity for the entire trip?...
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This note was uploaded on 07/10/2008 for the course PHYS 2A taught by Professor Hicks during the Summer '07 term at UCSD.
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Joined: 17 Nov 2011
Posts: 790
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:31 pm
Post subject: AZvsSTL: Offense vs Defense Match-Up
When I first visited the week one match-up against St. Louis, I said that the Cardinals matched up well against the Rams and that we would probably squeak out a win (
). Well, its time for me to elaborate on that claim and explain why I feel that way.
First, lets examine the Cardinals offensive line against the Rams defensive line. We all know that the Cardinals line struggled through the course of the season but some of the line appeared to emerge from about week 8 to week 17 a little more seasoned, and looking less like a turnstile. One shining example of that was our right tackle, Bobby Massie.
Nowhere can his improvement be seen more clearly than last week, when the Cardinals faced the Rams for the second time this season. The first time around Massie earned a -4.5 grade for the game, and that was despite run blocking well. He surrendered just a single sack, but let his quarterback hit the deck too and surrendered a massive eight hurries.
All of that pressure bar one hurry came from Chris Long, one of the leagues better pressure artists. The second meeting? Long earned one knockdown and two hurries, just one of which came against Massie, and the big tackle earned a grade of +1.9.
-ProFootballFocus (link)
The question marks on our line are going to be at left tackle, left guard, and right guard. We know that Lyle Sendlein at center is generally pretty reliable, not stellar, but reliable. The rookie, Jonathan Cooper, will be manning the left guard position and we have yet to know how his game will translate to the NFL. Daryn Colledge appears to be moving to the right guard spot, which he has been a left guard for almost his entire career except for a small stint when the Packers needed him to play guard around 3-4 years ago. At left tackle, we dont know what Levi Brown we are getting, and that is the biggest question mark of the offensive line. Even more so than the rookie Cooper, because Brown has been known for being a turnstile at left tackle over the years, save for the back half of the 2011 season before he suffered a tricep injury in camp for the 2012 season. One must not forget Nate Potter though and how well he was able to play in his rookie season as a seventh-round draft pick. He could end up stepping in at left tackle eventually if Brown struggles, but I really think Levi will return to his late 2011 form and solidify the left tackle position this season.
During the 2011 season, which was Browns last full season, he allowed 11.5 sacks per ProFootballWeekly compared to Nate Potter playing in half a season and allowed 7 sacks per ProFootballWeekly. Given a full season, one could argue that Potter would of allowed more sacks compared to Brown, but would he have allowed more QB pressures? ProFootballFocus said that Brown struggled early in 2011 and was on his way to posting the worst score theyve ever seen from a left tackle.
No player had a more two-sided season in 2011 than left tackle Levi Brown. In Weeks 1 through 10 he was on his way to possibly the worst season weve ever seen from the position (giving up a quarterback disruption on almost 11% of passing plays), but the game at San Francisco saw an unbelievable turnaround where his standard of play, if extrapolated through a whole season, would have seen him picking up our second-team All-Pro. The highlight of all this was probably holding DeMarcus Ware without a single pressure against the Cowboys in Week 13.
-ProFootballFocus (link)
If either of our tackles turn into the matadors they have been in the past, waving red at these Rams defensive ends will result in pressure on every down. Chris Long and Robert Quinn generate the most pressure for the Rams and they are known for getting home pretty quickly. Both posted double digit sack numbers last season, having 11.5 and 10.5, respectively. If Massie can duplicate the success he had on Chris Long in the last matchup, and Brown can return to his late 2011 form, the Cardinals will win this match-up.
Thankfully the quarterback theyre protecting is well known for recognizing blitzes and getting the ball out quickly. Quickly to the stable of wide receivers that Arizona possesses could mean devastating damage.
The Cardinals wide receiver corps against the Rams defensive backs will be a very talked about match-up in this week one competition. Lets look beyond just Larry Fitzgerald, as the Cardinals are expecting second year receiver Michael Floyd to step up in a big way opposite of Fitz. Looking at the week 17 match-up that Floyd had against the 49ers with Brian Hoyer slinging the rock (8 catches for 166 yards, 1 TD), you can see that Floyd could be poised for a huge year this season. The Rams top two corners are Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins, whom did well for the Rams last season at with a combined 7 interceptions and 22 passes defensed. I dont feel though, that these top two corners match-up well with the bigger, more physical Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald. Finnegan and Jenkins, from a physical standpoint, stand at 510″ 188 pounds and 193 pounds, respectively. Larry Fitzgerald at 63″ 218 pounds and Floyd 62″ 220 pounds present match-up problems as both are good at running clean routes and making a lot of contested catches when the ball is at its highest point. Lets not forget about Andre Roberts, who will be lining up in the slot and is a quick kid at a 4.4, 40 yard dash.
There are a few others who may emerge in camp that are also speedsters that have ran quicker than Andre. Rob Housler is a tight-end but hes going to present match-up problems for the Rams secondary. Hes poised for a break out season this year as Palmer hit the Oakland tight end Brandon Myers for 79 receptions last season.
Last, but not least, the Cardinals running backs should experience quite a change in the type of defensive fronts they will face this season, and in particular, against the Rams. Levi Brown has never been questioned in his ability to run block as he has always been known as a great road grader. Cooper at left guard will provide an athletic pulling guard that can get to the second level, which makes the left of the line look like the strongest at the point of attack for our run game. Colledge has done well against the Rams when run blocking and has even done very well as a pulling guard himself, which he helped Beanie Wells spring for a career rushing yard game against the Rams back in 2011. Massie on the right has been improving at his run blocking as well, and toward the end of last season was seeing a lot of runs come his direction as the left side of the line struggled and the right was allowing more yards per carry.
Rashard Mendenhall was arguably the biggest splash of free agency behind the trade for Carson Palmer. Mendenhall brings a style of running the Cardinals have not had in Beanie Wells and by that I mean not only a good power running style, but the ability to make the defense miss and get extra yards after contact. If we look at Mendenhalls last full season in 2011 where he was healthy and he just happened to face the St. Louis Rams, we see that during the season he averaged a healthy 4.1 yards per carry but in the game against the Rams (keep in mind this was the same Rams team that allowed Beanie his career high in a game), Mendenhall averaged 6.4 yards per carry on 18 carries for 116 yards with 1 reception for 35 yards and a touchdown. One could argue that Mendenhalls best years are behind him, coming back from a knee injury, but he is now two years removed from that injury and I am expecting to see him jump back into the driver seat carrying the rock. Lets not forget that flashes weve seen from Ryan Williams when healthy and the potential that he has to break out finally this season. And as insurance, we have Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington from our recent draft class who have proven to be more healthy during their productive college careers.
The Cardinals offense against the Rams defense still has some question marks, but if we look at the information we have, it could appear that they may match-up against the Rams better than some people are expecting.
Coming soon, the Cardinals defense against the Rams offense.
(Side note: I'm just blogging for the love of the team. Nothing more than personal blogging and I encourage discussion whether you agree with what I think or not! Thanks!)
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rabbitdundied wrote: I use my mojos in places I don't want birds to land.
2500hdon37s wrote:yea, they're all in the 2012/2013 season pics thread started a while back...
does anybody at least look on the first page to see if the same topic is posted any more??
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NCAA Lafayette Regional Preview: #2 Mississippi State
There seems to be a relationship developing between Louisiana and Mississippi State.
The Cajuns' tennis team took on Mississippi State in the first round of the NCAA Regionals in Austin, TX.
The Mississippi State softball team was sent to Lafayette for the NCAA Regionals.
And now, here come the Bulldogs again.
Mississippi State (37-22) enjoyed its best SEC record since 1997 with an 18-12 mark. (Ironically, Louisiana played in the Starkville Regional that year.) They were the #5 seed in the SEC Tournament and went 2-2, beating Georgia and South Carolina before losing a tough game against Kentucky. They were eliminated by Florida.
Mississippi State and Louisiana have both played Eastern Illinois, Southern MIss, LSU, South Alabama and Alabama. The Bulldogs are 6-4 against those teams, the Cajuns are 12-2.
Here's a capsule look at the Bulldogs:
HITTING: The Southeastern Conference is a pitchers' league, so it's no surprise Mississippi State's offensive numbers are by no means staggering. But that isn't to say they can't hit. Second baseman Brett Pirtle (.341-2-27). Catcher Gavin Collins (.325-1-17) CF C. T. Bradford (.311-1-29) and SS Seth Heck (.304-0-26) all hit over .300. The Bulldogs have offensive depth. Eleven players have more than 100 at-bats and John Cohen isn't afraid to go to his bench at any time. Alex Detz and Wes Rea have combined for seven homers and 76 RBI. No one has as many as 40 RBI on the season, partly a testament to their depth, but also the fact this team has struggled to score runs at times this year.
POWER: Not much. The Bulldogs have hit just 15 home runs all year, and they have only 89 total extra base hits this season. (By contrast, the Cajuns have 220.) No one has more than four homers, and only eight players on the entire roster have homered. This team doesn't strike out a lot, with exception of Rea, and they don't walk a ton, either.
SMALL BALL?–Yes. The Bulldogs have to find ways to move runners and they're pretty good at it. They've had 57 sacrifice bunts this season and they've stolen 64 bases. Derek Armstrong and Demarcus Henderson have double digit steals and neither one is an every day player. Obviously, if they're not starting, they'll probably get in as runners, especially in tight games.
PITCHING: Deep and talented. Cohen has a dozen pitchers that have pitched double digit innings this season. RHP Trevor Fitts (4-3, 2.51) has been the Friday starter most of the season. LHP Ross Mitchell (8-4, 4 saves, 2.10) was their best pitcher in conference games. Cohen has options for the third spot. Preston Brown has nine starts and was the third guy down the stretch. The bullpen can be filthy. LHP Jacob Lindgren (6-1. 3 saves, 0.88) has allowed just 20 hits and has 93 strikeouts in 51 innings. And, Jonathan Holder has the rep of being one of the best relief men in the SEC. Holder is 6-1 with seven saves and an ERA of 2.38. He, too, is a strikeout guy.
DEFENSE: Very solid. They've made the fewest errors (46) of anyone in the tournament. The double play combination of Heck and Pirtle have combined for just ten errors all season. Collins has thrown out 11-33 would be base stealers. It will be interesting to see how the range for the 'Dogs infielders is affected by on the artificial surface.
OVERVIEW: State played in Omaha last year, advancing to the championship series. This is a battle tested team with plenty of veterans. They're not going to wow you with their offense, but they're fundamentally sound and their hitters will battle a pitching staff. Cajuns' coach Tony Robichaux talks about winning games with pitching, defense and timely hitting. John Cohen's club is one of college baseball's poster children for that philosophy. They'll rely on their pitching staff to carry them through the regional. And, they're deep enough to do it. If they lose a game, they won't run out of pitchers as they navigate the loser's bracket. This is a very formidable #2 seed.


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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Vacation Repeat Repeat: Starting Before the Beginning
See you soon!
So, regular readers know I am a bit obsessed with basketball. We had some wonderful friends in town last night and so I DVR'd the game and then set about trying to block out the outside world throughout dinner. I turned off my cell phone. I put my computer in an out of reach place. I had my girlfriend scout out the downstairs of the restaurant for TVs before I ventured down to the restroom (yes, she's wonderful. Also understanding.) And it worked..... until we were walking around outside and I looked into a bar and happened to see a bigscreen TV showing Billy Donovan with a net around his neck. A;LKDJF;LAKJF I about fainted on the sidewalk. Nooooooooo!! Anyway, congrats to the Gators, even if I didn't get to be surprised by the win. I still watched the game when I got home.
Anyway, the advice given in this blog has been mostly devoted to the art of the query letter, but really, that is putting the cart before the donkey. Aspiring writers agonize over query letters, they strive to make publishing contacts, they pour their time and energy into getting their book published. But actually, the absolute most crucial decision you can make as a writer happens before you take out your pen and write down, "Once upon a time in Borneo." The most important decision happens when you decide what you're going to write about.
Too many people assume that good writing is all you need, and believe what you write about isn't so important as how you write. Such thinking results not only in meandering 200,000 treatises on the peculiarity of our contemporary mores, but also in more mundane and unoriginal plots that aren't well thought through and thus, no matter how good the writing is, they are a tough prospect to sell. To put it short: You need a good idea.
When you're considering what to write about, you have to start with the assumption that everyone you're up against in the slush pile can write -- it's your idea that will set you apart. This may seem like really obvious advice, but an unoriginal or not-good-enough book idea is the basis for approximately 90% of my rejections. In a story-saturated world where it seems like every original idea is already taken, really great story ideas are very rare and precious. I find it much more agonizing to reject someone with a really great idea where the writing isn't there than I do passing on a project with great writing where there isn't a solid enough idea. I think this is because it's so hard to find a great idea. They're as rare as an intelligent conversation on The Hills.
So what can you do? One way to test your idea before you start writing is to tell it to someone out loud. If, after a short description, someone genuinely, involuntarily responds, "Wow, that's a great idea," you're onto something. If you have to include the caveat, "Well, anyway, it sounds boring but really, it's all about the writing," you might want to add some monkeys to the plot.
72 comments:
- Christine H said...
The one comfort I have is that I think my story idea is pretty good. It grew out of a conversation a friend and I had about the deplorable lack of female perspective in The Lord of the Rings. It started out as just a fun writing exercise, with her and myself as the main characters, and grew into a complete fantasy world entirely distinct from Tolkein's, with its own language, culture and history.
I tell people it's "an adventure story from the girls' point of view, but I wanted them to retain their femininity, so I threw in some guys to do the fighting and found myself getting into their heads, too." So now it's told in alternating chapters from the hero's and heroine's points of view.
Gotta get back to writing that thing.
- June 2, 2009 at 11:17 AM
- Kristi said...
As it's difficult to come up with an entirely new idea, I also think that a novel approach to a familiar idea can work as well.
On a completely different note - I love the zoo! I take my kids to the zoo almost every week - you can learn a lot from monkeys. Sadly, they are not featured in my book but we'll what happens after the first draft.
- June 2, 2009 at 11:19 AM
- RW said...
It's true you need a good idea, but don't you think that often times people equate that (incorrectly) with originality in the action? Which leads to quirkiness and outlandish plot turns for their own sake. Plenty of good fiction would seem to cover familiar territory in terms of the action. Take the book that won the Pulitzer for fiction this year--Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Very plain in terms of the action. It's just a bunch of townsfolk in a small Maine town dealing with disappointment about how their lives have turned out. What makes it a "good idea"--or unfamiliar--is something that's nearly impossible to describe up front. It's the complete lifelikeness of the characters. They are familiar yet singular. Their emotions and emotional responses seem human. So their story ends up coming alive for the reader while there is nothing about the story that you would describe as original. (Well, the structure of it is a little original in this case, but that's a different story.) It just feels original because of how authentic its character development feels.
It is has a good idea. Books must, I agree. But like I said, it seems like that gets conflated with plot fireworks.
- June 2, 2009 at 11:19 AM
- Mira said...
I like this post. I like both this post and yesterday's post - good choices for repeats.
Thanks, Nathan.
Errr. Which zoo is that? Just an innocent question. I was thinking it has been a long time since I saw any monkeys.
Well, aside from the ones that are hanging from the rafters here.
- June 2, 2009 at 11:50 AM
- Rick Daley said...
Thanks for re-posting this, I missed it the first time around, but it's great to know.
Enjoy your vacation. I do not envy you the Inbox that you will find on your return.
- June 2, 2009 at 12:18 PM
- Dawn Maria said...
Since I'm newer to the blog, I'm thrilled with repeats.
As a reader, I am always drawn to characters and a strong voice. I look at the first page and if the voice of the character doesn't grab me, I don't care how interesting the story idea may sound.
The trick is applying what you like as a reader into great writing. If it were as simple as it sounds, we'd all be published right now right? I still think the best advice I've heard is to write something you'd like to read.
I'd better stop monkeying around and go work on my novel.
- June 2, 2009 at 12:26 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
My ideas are usually received fairly well, but my delivery has been a bit wanting in places (not enough character attachment)... hopefully that'll change w/ the next one (fingers crossed :).
- June 2, 2009 at 12:36 PM
- Lunatic said...
And what if they say, "No, really, what's it about?"...
- June 2, 2009 at 12:39 PM
A zoo? So, Dick is there with you?
- June 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
This post has nothing to do with Trends. I like that. So much attention gets paid to works that Start Trends or Surprise Books That Buck The Current Trends. It's great reassurance (and voodoo scary) that a great idea is more important.
- June 2, 2009 at 1:28 PM
- Scott said...
RW makes an intriguing point. What of those intimate stories that seem well-worn on the outside, but get by on the writing or the fact that they're torn from the pages of Vanity Fair? I see them everywhere. And when isn't there a novel about a forensics expert or a telepath (or one in the same!) who have to race against the clock to solve a centuries-old mystery that, minor at first glance, now has devastating global implications? The bookstores are filthy with these!
Nathan, I think a great idea is, as you say, rare. And surely it will get attention if the writing is up to par. But I can't say I see many revolutionary concepts on offer in my travels. However, there are plenty of spunky and flawed MC's working in the shadow of the law being pulled into larger conspiracies that may or may not bring the world to its knees depending on their cunning and willingness to face their demons.
- June 2, 2009 at 1:34 PM
- Laura Martone said...
As a newer member of your blog, NB, I'm grateful for the repeats... although I have been trying to catch up with your archives. It's the billions of interesting comments that are slowing me down... grrr.
Anyhoo, I'm with Christine H. - my idea is not my issue. I've told many folks the basic idea of my novel - and the usual response is something like, "Wow, that sounds really cool. I've never read anything quite like that." And, therein, lies part of my problem - I've found it hard to compare my book to others. Some of the issues are universal like midlife crises, mother-daughter troubles, unfulfilled marriages... but at the heart of the story is an underground village in southern Kentucky that neither resembles a fantasy underworld like that of Gaiman's NEVERWHERE or the real-life subway communities depicted in shows like BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
The other problem, of course, is that the novel is presently TOO DARN LONG! But I'm tackling that today!
P.S. Alas, there are no monkeys in the story, but there are dogs, cats, rabbits, and fish galore - none of which can talk (yet).
- June 2, 2009 at 1:39 PM
- JohnO said...
Crap. There goes the 188,000 words I have on my work in progress, INCONSISTENCIES IN THE LITHUANIAN TAX CODE: A ROMANTIC THRILLER.
- June 2, 2009 at 1:51 PM
- csmith said...
I have this amazing picture in my head of you behind bars with a sign that says "Don't feed the agent".
I should probably stop giggling now.
PS. Good to know re ideas - people look at me somewhat strangely but end up being intrigued and asking for more and more information!
- June 2, 2009 at 2:07 PM
- T. Anne said...
Surely the Hills are alive with intelligence. Lauren left, so right there you have a sign...
Speaking of the Hills, Spidey was oh so entertaining last night on 'I'm a celebrity'. Spencer declaring himself ' king of America' was too rich.
He did do that right? Or was it all a bad dream?
- June 2, 2009 at 2:13 PM
- Christine H said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- June 2, 2009 at 2:35 PM
- Christine H said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- June 2, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Nathan - you are at the zoo? Wait, when did you come to my house? I don't remember letting you in... ;)
- June 2, 2009 at 2:54 PM
- Jen P said...
Well "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" did wonderfully. Don't give up yet ;-)
Great & helpful re-post.
- June 2, 2009 at 3:10 PM
As Simon and Garfunkel said, something tells me it's all happening at the zoo.
Why, then, do so many agents say what they look for first is voice? I think it is a magical combination of voice and story that everyone really wants. Imagine Harry Potter told by Dick Cheney. Or Cormac McCarthy's rich voice wasted on, well, actually I can't think of a book so bad that his voice would not improve it, possibly to a salable point. So maybe it IS voice, if the voice is good enough.
- June 2, 2009 at 3:40 PM
- Meg Spencer said...
I don't think the point is that the story idea has to be new and revolutionary, more that there has to be something about the story that distinguishes itself, and that (unfortunately) just being well written isn't necessarily enough.
In fact, I think one reason genre fiction is so popular is because people like having an idea of what they are getting in advance. I know that I like lots of military space fiction, for example, therefore I look for new military space fiction. This does not, however, excuse the author from coming up with something to distinguish their story from the all the other offerings available.
- June 2, 2009 at 4:05 PM
When does Nathan return?
- June 2, 2009 at 4:18 PM
- Scott said...
Argeed, Meg, but the "differences" have been negligible in my opinion. I understand high concept and how a little goes a long way to refresh a genre, but the little is getting...littler.
Genre writers like Crichton, Rollins, Brown and Follet know how to freshen things up (although I don't read some of them). Cussler and Patterson, too, for their crowd. But guys like that are pretty hard to come by. Lately, it seems going from one kind of court case to another is the same as going from dinosaurs to white gorillas to killer nanobots.
It could be just me, but it just seems things are graying out so much it's no surprise that a lot of new color is seen as a risk.
- June 2, 2009 at 4:25 PM
- Patrick Rodgers said...
I was wondering about that is seems the synopsis of the story is the most important part of the query letter. How interesting does the book sound and is it worth the effort of reading any more by the author.
I was about to copy and paste the synopsis I wrote for my query letter in here to get feedback (yes I already have a personalized query ready to go out to Nathan the moment I am done editing my manuscript which is now it its last stages of editing my wives red pen) but then the paranoia monkeys bashed me over the head and threatened to kill my unborn child. Like by having my synopsis someone could steal my book and then I weep with paranoia and fear.
Paranoia, paranoia they're come to take me away.
So what do you guys think I am being overly paranoid or should I post it for some feedback
- June 2, 2009 at 4:36 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
To sum it up - think outside the little box, but not the big box.
- June 2, 2009 at 4:45 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Patrick -
Novels are far different from screenplays - especially when it comes to stolen ideas. My hubby and I did, in fact, have a screenplay idea stolen from us - but since the screenplay is less about the writing and more about the idea, there was nothing we could do about it. :-(
But while the idea for a novel is important (consider our discussion today), the writing and voice are equally important - so it's far more difficult for someone to "steal" your idea (and, as many agents say, it's far more unlikely in the literary world). Since you've already finished the book, I don't think you have much to worry about (says the girl who was equally paranoid before her own novel was completed). Besides, everyone here seems to be serious about the craft... and willing to help one another. I, for one, would love to help you - I've already posted my own query on Rick Daley's website (The Public Query Slushpile) and received terrific feedback.
Anyhoo, just my two cents!
- June 2, 2009 at 5:06 PM
- Mira said...
Patrick - I don't think I'd post it here. We've been alittle loose and informal with Nathan on vacation, but I'm not sure you'd get much response to it here. That can be discouraging - to post something and not get responses.
You might try Rick Daley's Query Slushpile. It's a really good place to get that kind of feedback. Just my suggestion, of course.
Bane, I think that thinking outside the big box can be wildly successful if it's good. You just might have to send out endless queries until you get a bite, or even go the self-publishing route. But in the long run, something original and good can make a huge splash.
- June 2, 2009 at 5:09 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
Mira, I definitely agree that's the way to become the next Stephen King/JK Rowling, but it seems to me that agents are risk averse (particularly in today's climate).
Patrick, agree w/ Mira - also, Nathan's not a huge fan of synopses, so, at least for him, you won't have to worry about it in the short term.
- June 2, 2009 at 5:16 PM
- Dawn Maria said...
I'm spending too much time here- bought a Paul Frank monkey-covered case this morning for my iPhone. Bright circles with cute monkey heads in the middle! It's darling and NOW I HAVE MONKEYS!
- June 2, 2009 at 5:24 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
Okay, am I the only one that finds monkeys extremely creepy? I prefer ring-tailed lemurs and suricates and polar bears (from afar).
- June 2, 2009 at 5:26 PM
- Mira said...
Bane - I agree with you. Although, sometimes I wonder if it's the agents who are risk-adversive, or that they know the publishers will be.
But the market changes so fast. My stance, right or wrong, is to write your story. Just write it. Inside the box, outside the box. Don't worry about whether it will sell it until you're done.
Trying to guess the market, trying to write for the market - that can lead to mediocre ideas.
I think the best way to write is to try to find that hot, molten core of creativity and write from there. It may take several works before you really contact it. And then once you contact it, to find it's true voice. But that's where originality and creative power really lie.
And I myself am going to get right on that. One of these days.
Yawn. Is it time for my nap yet?
- June 2, 2009 at 5:26 PM
- allegory19 said...
I would just like to add that I hated writing my first synopsis - so much so that for my latest novel I started with the synopsis first and then went from there. So far that plan has worked well.
But that statement begs the question - can you really have a synopsis if you haven't written the novel yet?
- June 2, 2009 at 5:28 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
I agree - write what you like - to an extent. If you like monkey vampires who enjoy picking flowers while reciting bad poetry, you probably need to rein it in some...
allegory - synopses blow - particularly the 1 page ones (particularly if double-spaced - arghh!)
- June 2, 2009 at 5:38 PM
- Laura Martone said...
allegory - Well, that depends on the story - and how you write. I, for one, usually start with a flexible story outline - knowing that, once I get into my "world" and into the heads of my characters, the story could change in unexpected ways. Mine always does. So, writing a 40-page synopsis ahead of time feels premature. It just depends on how YOU write.
Mira & Bane - I might have misunderstood Patrick, but I thought he simply wanted to post the synopsis paragraph from his query letter - not an entire synopsis. But I agree - posting here might not be helpful - Rick Daley's Slushpile is a better spot.
Bane - I LOVE monkeys, are you kidding? They're mischievous (not creepy) - and, okay, some can bite your head off! When I was 13, I participated in a vision quest experience that yielded me the spirit name Monkey, Seeker of Knowledge. Right before college, my second vision quest resulted in Otter, Watching the Leaf - so I'm a bigger fan of otters now - they're like mischievous monkey swimmers (except without the throwing of excrement - yes, it even happens in zoos! - or the risk of being attacked, like that poor woman in CT).
- June 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
Okay, here's my monkey story:
When they were teenagers, my mother and uncle (her brother for all those who don't do family relations) owned a monkey for a short time (the reason remains unclear) - Hector, I believe, was his name - who had quite the irritable disposition and would cling to the ceiling when perturbed.
Now, my mother and uncle were living with their parents at the time and their parents' house had some exposed water pipes on the ceiling, which Hector would run along. Now, when hot water ran through those pipes, poor little Hector's feet got a bit too toasty and Hector became irate... and irate monkeys tend to be feces throwing monkeys and Hector proved quite proficient with his poo...
Eventually, they pawned Hector off on some poor unsuspecting sap. Some twenty odd years later, for my grandparents' fortieth anniversary, six year old Bane is dressed up in a monkey outfit and forced to jump out of box - grandparents are quite relieved that boy is not monkey (though, at the time, there wasn't much difference).
And Laura, BTW, my friends in HS called me Horse-Monkey - I no longer speak to them :)
Let me tell you, every time I see King Kong, I cheer when they shoot that damn ape down :)
- June 2, 2009 at 5:57 PM
- Dawn Maria said...
Bane- Aren't lemurs the ones who make all that noise?
On the synopsis- yes they are awful to write! Especially the one pagers. I like an outline too, my little road map. I bullet point the key plot elements in each chapter and then decide how I'll get to them when I start writing. So I'm half structured and half letting the characters take me where they wish.
Love being on summer break- I can play here!
- June 2, 2009 at 5:59 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Dawn Maria - I wish I could be "playing" here, but I should be working. Darn this interesting blog!
And Bane - What can I say to someone who cheers for the a**holes who forced King Kong to meet his sad fate? Especially in Peter Jackson's version, I'd rather see Jack Black fall off the Empire State Building - then, you'd see me cheer! I just can't abide by monkey-haters like you - even if you had to dress up like one as a child (hahahaha... oh, that's too cute!). That's it! I must refrain from agreeing with you from now on, even though you're usually right. (Darn it all, this is an issue of principle!)
- June 2, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Another good post, Mr. Bransford.
- June 2, 2009 at 6:34 PM
- Laurel said...
I'm paranoid, too. To my way of thinking since the query process is so competitive it's entirely possible that two people write books from the same concept but the better query is the one that gets published. If the idea is fresh enough to be memorable, all of a sudden two very similar books are being shopped and the "first" one is the one that breaks through.
I am, really and truly, a very paranoid person though. You have a running start if your book is close enough to being ready for submission before you start posting query/synopsis for feedback.
- June 2, 2009 at 6:43 PM
- Laurel said...
Monkeys fling poo and give researchers at the CDC bizarre diseases.
'nuff said.
wv: oviaciti-the audacity that women with overactive hormones gain that causes them to think PMS is justification for running over someone in a gas station parking lot
- June 2, 2009 at 6:45 PM
- joesanchez said...
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same and still retain the ability to function...One should, for example, see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise." ---F. Scott Fitzgerald
- June 2, 2009 at 6:54 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Laurel, LOL! I love your wv for "oviaciti"!
- June 2, 2009 at 7:14 PM
I like the re-runs, Nathan. Even though I have been lurking for a while now, I am still a newbie to your blog.
Say, would dragons, dwarfs, snakes, and magic add up to a monkey or two? How about spiders and strange critters?
It is true that without great ideas, the craft can fall flat. Great ideas come easy, but now I must learn the craft which means a lot of re-write.
Re-writing gets a lot of negative rep, but it is in the re-writes that I learn to write better and watch it begin to shine.
It is like a block of stone needing the right chips knocked off to see the polished sculpture.
Hope you have a great time monkeying around at the zoo.
- June 2, 2009 at 7:50 PM
- Patrick Rodgers said...
I have thought about using the public query slushpile but I my paranoia won't let me use it tell I am like a week or two from actually querying.
I am not sure how long it will take my wife to red pen through my manuscript so I don't exactly know when I will be querying agents. I am thinking in 3-4 weeks maybe a little longer.
- June 2, 2009 at 7:50 PM
- Jen C said...
Laura, you have a pic up! I almost didn't recognise you :)
I'm starting to freak out a bit over the lack of monkey characters in my book. I have 20K words to go - should I just do a cut away and make everything prior to this a dream that a monkey was having, and then follow him around for the ending of the book? Is there even any point querying Nathan if I don't do this?
- June 2, 2009 at 8:05 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Hey, Jen C! Yeah, I thought it was time to come out of hiding - I even got a Blogger account and everything... I'm slowly getting with the program.
Anyhoo, guess what! I just discovered that the word "monkey" appears five times in my novel. Maybe I am on the right track...
Patrick - I understand about paranoia, really I do. But I did learn a lot from posting my query on The Public Query Slushpile... and I have some editing to do before plunging into the query process (again). Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. :-)
- June 2, 2009 at 8:21 PM
- Silicon Valley Diva said...
Nathan, I'm so glad you are re-posting some of the oldies. I didn't follow your blog when you first launched it, and I don't just don't have the time to scan through all your archives (much as I would love to LOL).
- June 2, 2009 at 8:22 PM
- Jen C said...
Laura, I did the same thing, my blog isn't with Blogger but I made an account anyway, just so I could have a picture! There were way too many Jens around and it was hard for me to work out who I was haha.
I like the pictures, because if there's too many comments I just scroll through and go to the pics of the people I know I will want to read. I even know how to pick out Mira now, even though she changes hers all the time...
- June 2, 2009 at 8:28 PM
- Patrick Rodgers said...
I did get to print my first two copies of my manuscript today, and even blog about it with pictures so yea on that front.
My wife wanted a bound copy for the editing purposes and talked me into binding my sentimental copy as well so it ran me $50 but it was one of the pride things. Now I can stare at it and say look I have a manuscript.
- June 2, 2009 at 8:51 PM
- D. G. Hudson said...
Ideas are the seed for the story - either they germinate or they don't.
The current novel that I'm working on has a unique twist, but I've still felt paranoid when I've discovered books with a similar name or in the same 'idea field' as mine. I quickly scan the back cover to see if it's the same, and feel relieved when it's not.
It's not only the idea, it's what you do with it that counts. Writers bring some of their own experience, and their own values to what they write. It's a little piece of us, an investment of time and soul.
Interesting post, Nathan. Good points. You can have the monkeys however, messy little critters - too much like annoying relatives. They've become a nuisance in a lot of countries - they're too much like us.
- June 2, 2009 at 8:58 PM
- PurpleClover said...
OMG! You gave me a really great idea about working monkeys into my story. NO LIE.
Okay so the weird thing is I did tell my story to my friend who shares about fifty percent of my interests in genre. We both have our own taste but share some of the same varieties.
Anyhow, had she not fell in love with the premise, I might have been less likely to get started.
Now, about those monkeys. I'm actually serious. I can work them in. Does that give me golden points??? OOH!
- June 2, 2009 at 9:00 PM
A thought for Patrick...
Here's the thing about being paranoid...
I have a sneaking suspicion that if you've been writing for a long time, and you've finally come up with a concept you feel the need to protect, it is probably a good sign you might finally have come up with an original concept...
In which case, broadcasting it to every Tom, Dick and Harry that surfs the internet doesn't seem like such a good idea. So you are not in fact, being paranoid.
On the other hand, if you're new to writing and you think you have an original idea, you probably need a shot with Miss Snark's clue gun. It takes time, expertise and a lot of work to come up with some truly special and a lot longer to make the dleivery of that idea into a saleable product.
I call into evidence the HarperCollins site Authonomy, and suggest a quick visit, which will convince you of a number of things;
1) There are lots of unoriginal ideas being touted as the next big thing;
2) Some of them are well written, some of them are awful amd some are merely ordinary;
3) That is what a real slush pile looks like - full of a sameness, the bizarre, the uninteresting, the mundane and ever so rarely a glimmer of talent.
The whole problem is that it is difficult to judge how original your concept is until you've run the idea past a circle of people. The trick is finding a circle of writing buddies that you trust.
Vic K.
- June 2, 2009 at 9:47 PM
- Kristi said...
Patrick - congrats on finishing your manuscript - that's a huge accomplishment!
I just finished another 1,000 words for PC's write-a-thon and need to get back to it. PC - you should do this kind of thing more often!
- June 2, 2009 at 9:48 PM
- allegory19 said...
Kudos to all of you participating in PC's write-a-thon!!!! Keep up the good work.
- June 2, 2009 at 9:53 PM
- Kristi said...
Oh, one more thing since I just saw Vic K's comment. I completely agree that it's so important to have other writers review your work. My critique group is fabulous and they've given amazing feedback that has pushed me to be better each time I submit to them. I highly recommend finding one - I found mine through SCBWI and most people in my group are published which is great for unpublished newbies like myself. They're encouraging me to submit now, which I'm taking as a good sign.:)
- June 2, 2009 at 9:54 PM
- Ruth said...
Hmm, that did happen when I told my full story idea to a couple of people. Now to go ask them if it was an involuntary and genuine reaction....
*feels hopeful*
- June 2, 2009 at 10:16 PM
- Zoe Winters said...
monkeys fix everything.
- June 2, 2009 at 10:33 PM
- Patrick Rodgers said...
I think my idea is not entirely original but it does have a good unique quality to it as well as some new and interesting ideas mixed in.
I also think it is in a genre crime/thriller fiction that you don't see as many books published about it. I freaking spent hours searching crime fiction and most of it is 50 years old or of the detective type ala Agatha Christie. Crime/thrillers seem to be more of a Hollywood and film trend with a smaller amount of authors doing novels in the genre.
I know I am being overly paranoid but I can't help it plus I doubt anyone could steal my synopsis and write the book just with the synopsis.
- June 3, 2009 at 12:50 AM
- Laura Martone said...
Well, good luck, Patrick! I can't wait to read it - I love crime thrillers. :-)
word veri - untan: to pale after months of staying indoors, slaving away on a much-needed edit!
- June 3, 2009 at 1:36 AM
- Vacuum Queen said...
You know...I spent two years telling my teeny little picture book story to people, like you suggested at the end of this post. I don't remember any negative feedback, but I do remember a lot of "oh my gosh, that's so cute!" I even took it to the classroom (5th/6th graders) many times and we acted it out with hilarious results. I finally queried agents with it, and I just can't seem to tell about it on "paper" as well as I could tell it to people.
I think I'm better in person than on paper. Not a good sentence for a writer! But..I swear, at most social events I go to, someone inevitably tells me, "you should write this stuff down!" I think I'm very boring, so what's that about? I guess I've got the good stories, I just need to get them down on paper.
Wish I had me a personal Nathan to coach me.
- June 3, 2009 at 2:47 AM
- Alps said...
Thanks for reposting. This is helpful and well put. Again, the bottom line is sales. We all need to remember that!
- June 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM
- Christine H said...
I am coming to the conclusion that it is much easier and more natural to spend all day talking about writing than actually writing.
I think I need a little less talk and a lot more action.
I'm with Mira - just write it! From an agent's point of view, sure he's going to say "Make sure it's marketable." For a writer, however, the process of actually writing the book is invaluable practice, even if it doesn't sell.
How's that for a piece of advice I should give myself?
"I give myself very good advice, but I seldom follow it." - Alice in Wonderland
- June 3, 2009 at 9:27 AM
- Mira said...
Christine - yes!
The benefit of this approach is that I believe we would improve over time as a writer. We'd tap into a clearer voice, a more powerful message, a deeper truth.
I think it's important to look at this desire to be published.
This is just my value system, but if I ever write something that is going to be distributed to other people, in a form that will last for years, I'd like it to be a darn sight better than 'marketable.' I want it to be damn good. I want to look at it and feel proud - not that I managed to get my name in print - but that I created something valuable. And if it helps people. Well, that would be a legacy. I do NOT want my legacy to be: I managed to work the system so I could figure out how to get my name in print.
That is just my value system. It's totally cool if other people see things differently. Maybe for them, the real accomplishment is managing to 'beat' the system. People are different.
But for me, this is what feels true.
- June 3, 2009 at 11:48 AM
- Mira said...
Nathan's back today!
Yea! Welcome back, Nathan!
Happy, happy. Nathan's back.
Now, I can go back to bugging him. I so missed that.
- June 3, 2009 at 11:54 AM
- Laura Martone said...
I'm totally with you, Mira. I mean, yes, I would like to make a modest living from my fiction writing - if only so that money woes don't derail my creative process... but - and I stress, but! - I would much rather create something that inspires or educates other people (even a small group of people) than just get my name in print. I have no interest in fame (actually, that's the part of writing that freaks me out) - I just want to tell good stories well.
- June 3, 2009 at 11:57 AM
- Mira said...
Laura, yes. I have to say I'm speaking from the perspective of someone who assumes writing will not be an income source.
For those who really want to make writing their trade and source of income, perhaps it's different.
Again, people are really different.
- June 3, 2009 at 12:30 PM
- Mira said...
Oh. Also, I should say. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting fame, importance, attention or a legacy.
I might like some of those things, myself. I just want to acheive them by doing something I can be really proud of.
- June 3, 2009 at 12:39 PM
- Christine H said...
Well, at this point, I do think that if I could make some $$$ writing bodice-rippers... I might try that. LOL!!!
Even idealists need to eat. ;o)
- June 3, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I couldn't agree more with this.
I think a big problem can be prospective writers placing too much worth on the old adage of 'write about what you know'.
there's a kernel of truth in that, but it's not the be all and end all. I think the best interpretation of it, is not to stray too far into an area where your lack of experience is going to trip you up.
Word Verification: elatio
that moment at the end of...well you know.
- June 4, 2009 at 7:41 AM
- Patrick Rodgers said...
Simon I also think it comes down to research. If you have a story but it is not something you know you can always do your homework and make it something you are a lot more familiar with.
I hate the write what you know adage that stunts creativity and eliminates several genres with a fowl swoop. No more sci-fi or fantasy books to start.
I have based my first two novels in New York and Chicago. I have never been to either city but I spent hours researching them for details and I feel fine in the fact that I wrote something I didn't know but learned about with research.
It's something I wish Stephen King would do as he needs to abandon the idea of a small Maine town there is only so many of them after all.
- June 4, 2009 at 11:21 AM
I think the worst manifestation of this problem is when people write directly about their own lives - when they don't have interesting lives.
I've seen so many people labouring under the misconception that 'authenticity' is the single most important thing. But it doesn't make for good writing when this dictum is slavishly adhered to at the expense of entertainment.
Whenever I critique work that revolves around domestic and/or workplace 'drama', I always suggest to the author that they must be very confident in their own abilities. This usually puzzles them until I elaborate that the quality of writing has to be absolutely brilliant to hold people's attention when there's no story.
I know I'm not good enough to do it.
- June 4, 2009 at 12:11 PM
- Mike said...
How many monkeys and what kind of monkeys will get me the deal? I'm desperate to know.
- June 5, 2009 at 1:50 AM


text:
Current skipper Andrew Strauss is thought to be considering his position in the one-day side following a disappointing showing at the recent World Cup in Asia.
Former England all-rounder Flintoff does not know if Strauss, 34, will continue or not but hopes whoever does the job this season will be trusted to rebuild the side.
Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Stuart Broad could be among the leading contenders if Strauss does decide to stand down.
Flintoff, who played 141 one-day internationals, told Press Association Sport: "It would be wrong for me to comment on Straussy - I don't know what he is thinking.
"However, I think with the one-day stuff, people have focused on this current crop of players in this World Cup.
"But it goes back further than that. We got to a World Cup final in 1992 and we haven't been much cop in it ever since, even when I was playing.
"Rather than point the finger at these lads, it is something that needs to be addressed going forward.
"For the coach Andy Flower - the Test team is fine, it's going well - the biggest challenge is the one-day side.
"Whether Straussy carries on or not, the person who is captain is going to have to be playing in the next World Cup and building towards that in four years' time."
Flintoff, 33, was speaking at the opening of a new rehabilitation and physiotherapy unit at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool funded by his own AF Foundation.
The inspiration for Flintoff's foundation came from several lengthy spells of rehabilitation during his injury-hit career.
"We'd been to Alder Hey before when a friend of ours' daughter had quite a serious leg operation," said Flintoff, who was forced to retire last year after a long spell out with knee trouble.
"She was doing the physiotherapy in the old unit and when I saw it I thought it wasn't very good, considering some of the facilities I'd used all around the world coming back from my injuries."
The new unit at Alder Hey, for which the AF Foundation donated £600,000, includes gym-style sports facilities and Flintoff hopes it will be the first of many in the UK.
"I've gone through surgery and rehab just to play cricket again and in the grand scheme of things that is not that important," said Flintoff.
"These kids are trying to walk again, get back on their feet and lead normal lives.
"This is an ambitious project and the dream at the end of it is that every kid will have access to a facility like this."
For more information about the AF Foundation visit www.affoundation.co.uk
- More about:
- Alastair Cook
- Cricket
- Ian Bell
- Stuart Broad


text:
- Home
- Teach Dolch Words the Easy Way!
Teach Dolch Words the Easy Way!
The Dolch Sight Word List contains 220 of the most commonly used words, such as and and they.
Many people ask if All About Reading and All About Spelling teach the Dolch words, and the short answer is yes.
The longer answer is that we teach all 220 of these words, but not in the way that Mr. Dolch intended way back in the 1930s when he created the list. Mr. Dolch intended kids to memorize the words as a whole, whereas our program teaches kids to read the words phonetically, which is a far superior method for teaching these words.
Unfortunately, most teachers have been led to believe that the words on the Dolch Sight Word List cannot be sounded out and must be taught as whole words, but that is not true. The truth is that 90% of the words on the Dolch list are completely phonetic and can be sounded out if the child knows basic phonics. They don't need to be taught as whole words as is commonly done.
Here's proof that 90% of Dolch Words are phonetic
In this video, the Dolch words are sorted according to their phonetic structure.
Results of the Analysis
If you made it through the video, congratulations! You now know more about the Dolch Sight Word List than most teachers.
If you didn't watch the video, here are the results of our analysis:
There are only 21 words that need to be memorized as sight words, which equals 10% of the Dolch list:
And in most of these sight words, the majority of the word is decodable—there are just one or two letters that don't say the sounds we would expect them to say. The spellings of these words aren't completely random.
Teach the Dolch Words the Easy Way!
Now that we've established that 90% of the Dolch Word List is phonetic, we have a simple way to teach the words on this list.
1. Reorganize the Dolch Word List so it makes sense.
From a developmental perspective, it's crazy to teach the word please on the kindergarten list and the word if on the third grade list. It's important to teach just one new concept at a time and have each lesson build on the previous lesson.
2. Teach systematic phonics.
Through phonics, your student can sound out most of the words. As shown in the video, 90% of the words on the Dolch Sight Word List are completely decodable! And since these words represent the most commonly-used words in the English language, your student will get lots of practice with them.
3. Teach the remaining 10% of the words as sight words.
With your student, talk about the part of the word that "breaks the rules," and then drill these words on flashcards and in reading material. Teach just one, two, or three sight words at a time, and only after your student has developed strong decoding skills through phonics. One of the goals of beginning reading is for the child to internalize the idea that phonics is reliable. After they understand that, introduce these Rule Breakers and practice them until they become automatic.
If you are looking for reading and spelling programs that approach English in a way that is easy to learn and easy to teach, check out the All About Reading and All About Spelling programs.


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- 2 cups basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon packed mint leaves
- 4 anchovy fillets, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Four 1/3-inch-thick slices of scamorza (1 1/2 to 2 ounces each)
- 4 thick slices of peasant bread, toasted
In a food processor, combine the basil, parsley and mint with the anchovies, Pecorino and capers and pulse until finely chopped. With the machine on, add 1/2 cup of the olive oil in a steady stream and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the flour in a pie plate. Add the cheese slices and dredge lightly in the flour, tapping off the excess. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cheese and fry over moderate heat, turning once, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer the cheese to 4 plates, drizzle with the salsa verde and serve with the toasted bread.


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