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Having Google Universal Analytics tracking on eCommerce websites is standard nowadays. While default Google Analytics, with or without Enhanced eCommerce, provides many tracking opportunities, adding Google Tag Manager in the mix opens up a completely new universe – a universe full of efficiency, simplicity, automation and data frontiers not seen before.
Why Advanced Analytics with Google Tag Manager?
We use Google Tag Manager as a data broker – from reading each pageview, session, user data and interaction data (events) to pouring that data to any number of channels – from Universal Analytics [Enhanced Ecommerce] with custom dimensions and custom metrics to data rich tracking pixels for social networks and (dynamic) remarketing services.
This are some of the tags and variables provided by Inchoo's Advanced Analytics for one of our clients. As you can see, there is a large number of tags and variables we can track to collect various information that can be used for understanding your customers and enhancing your marketing and sales strategy.
Years worth of experience in analytics and Magento helped us to create and constantly improve our Google Tag Manager Magento extension, crafted to match contemporary tracking requirements with unmatched security and performance – both for Community and Enterprise Magento editions.
What are some of the common custom reports and features requested by eCommerce clients (and made available by Inchoo's Advanced Analytics with GTM)?
- Where do new customers or newsletter subscribers come from?
- Which Magento user group generates most revenue?
- What users generate most revenue?
- View all sessions, pageviews and events paths for any particular visitor, and match it with Magento user [User Explorer report in Google analytics]
- Coupon code usage report: which coupon codes, how many times used, total revenue per coupon code, who used it, etc…
- Shipping Method usage report[s]: number of transactions, total shipping costs, total revenue, etc. per shipping method
- Payment Method usage report[s]: number of transactions, total revenue, etc. per payment method
- Category pages: which category pages are most popular? How deep users browse categories?
- Product pages [reports based on product page views]: most popular product pages by brand, categories, or any other product attribute
- Segmentation: create remarketing segments in GA based on Magento user group [LVL], any visitor attribute and visitor behaviour or any page, category or product attribute available i.e. create segments of people who visited product pages of specific brand or product type more than 3 times, who added to cart but abandoned, etc….
What do you get with our Advanced Analytics with GTM:
- Installation, support, consultations and Magento best practices gained from dozen implementations and scenarios
- Universal Analytics tracking
- With Enhanced Ecommerce support
- Opens up a plethora of new reports in Google Analytics
- Optional server-side transaction tracking
- No more missing transactions in GA reports, can be configured to fire at any given order state
- Track your off-site transactions and connect to visitors using loyalty card information to create an overall user profile
- Many custom dimensions and custom metrics
- Many visitor, page, category, product, cart and checkout/transaction related variables available in GTM dataLayer
- User interaction (events)
- User interaction events (logins, registration, subscription, cart and wishlist management, …) available for all tracking purposes
- Coss-device tracking and reports
- Cross device tracking helps identify a user behavior across several devices and join their experience into one journey
- Custom segments
- Create custom segments (used for both reporting and remarketing) based on all available visitors or page dimensions (i.e. create specific remarketing segments)
- A/B testing
- Implement A/B tests with variations stored in custom dimension in Google Analytics and and efficiently track their performance
- Google Ads (AdWords) dynamic remarketing tracking
- Support for all Google Ads dynamic remarketing requirements (don't miss our Google Shopping and PPC Management support)
- Facebook Custom Audience advanced pixel
- Support for Facebook's Custom audience pixel – not just the basic tags, but support to the max
- Push many additional information to FB pixel, which at the end gives you endless segmentation opportunities
- Full support for Facebook dynamic remarketing tracking
- Implement any available tracking and enrich it effortlessly
Interested in some (or all) of these custom analytics and reporting options?
Our implementation of Advanced Analytics with GTM is straightforward, even if you have existing solutions and would like to migrate – we provide Magento extension and installation, configuration and ongoing support and consultations for Advanced Analytics and GTM in general.


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So glad you are a part of the blog. This may be my last post for a while because we are anxiously awaiting the arrival our new baby boy. When he comes, I will take some time off to be with the family. This is my second attempt at a post today...evidently I did something wrong and my whole work was lost.
The passage for Sunday is Exodus 32:1-14. In the text, the Israelite people are camped at Mt. Sinai (the mountain of God.) Moses has ascended the mountain to receive the Ten commandments and has been delayed in coming down. The people are anxious and they feel like Moses has abandoned them and that God has disappeared. So in their moment of fear, they ask Aaron (the priest and brother of Moses who was left in charge) to make an idol for them to worship. They wanted a god to touch, feel, and see, and what they got was the golden calf.
In our own lives, how many times have we bowed down to idols much like this? Don't we often succumb to idolatry when we feel alone, or feel as if God disappeared? While none of us are bowing down to statues, perhaps we should list a few idols: money, fame, prestige, ambition, family, friends, football, hunting, boyfriends/girlfriends, school, work, time, leisure, etc. Who of us has not bowed down to one of these idols this week?
Instead of falling into the misgivings of our feelings, we must renew our faith, even when it is hard to trust. So this week, as we prepare for the service, contemplate the idols in your life, and rid yourself of them. Commit to serving God, and Him alone. That is the only way to find real meaningful life.
Points to ponder or to reply to:
1. What idols do we give our allegiance to instead of God?
2. Do I allow my feelings to get in the way of faith?
3. Where can I refocus my energy to serve God and God alone?
In His Name,
Just a few sports scores if you are interested
GT over Duke
Baylor over TCU
GA Southern over Idaho
MS St. over Aub
UGA over MO on the road

subset: commoncrawl


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Eva's Shawl...
I started on this shawl for the Ravelympics as I watched the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic games last night. It was so beautiful, and I love watching the Parade of Nations.
Oh, I'm using Dream in Color Baby in Funky Fuschia.
Opening Ceremonies
Since I've been watching Project Runway, I felt compelled to Twitter the best dressed nations, and though it's going to sound like I'm just a homer, I loved the USA's outfits the best. They were totally sharp, and everyone looked good in them.
Where I've Been
Since I've been away from blogging. It's not that I've been awy from the computer either. I'm on Twitter, Facebook, Ravelry, and even Plurk.
For the most part, I've been knitting socks for The Summer of Socks. It's hot, and I've knitted two whole pairs, almost done with another pair, and have two orphans.
I've also been reading this summer. I've read David Sedaris's new book, and I'm almost finished with Stefan Fatsis's A Few Seconds of Panic about his traning camp experiences with the Denver Broncos. It's a great read for anyone who loves pro football and wants to know what traning camp is really like.
I'm also listening to Charlatan on Radio Reader during my morning commute. It's engrossing, and I think that we haven't changed much as humans--those who con and are conned, only the delivery method is different.
Still, blogging is never far from my thoughts. I just wish it could spring out of my brain--prompt and picture perfect.
For tomorrow, my Parade of Socks.


text: Cushman & Wakefield is the world's largest privately‐held commercial real estate services firm. The company advises and represents clients on all aspects of property occupancy and investment, and has established a preeminent position in the world's major markets, as evidenced by its frequent involvement in many of the most significant property leases, sales and assignments. Founded in 1917, it has 253 offices in 60 countries and nearly 15,000 employees. It offers a complete range of services for all property types, including leasing, sales and acquisitions, equity, debt and structured finance, corporate finance and investment banking, corporate services, property management, facilities management, project management, consulting and appraisal. The firm has more than $3.7 billion in assets under management globally. A recognized leader in local and global real estate research, the firm publishes its market information and studies online at www.cushmanwakefield.com/knowledge.


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Syrian Christians pray for kidnapped bishops
April 28 - Syrian Christians hold a mass to pray for the release of two bishops who were kidnapped by gunmen in northern Syria. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION) STORY: Syrian Christians held a Mass on Sunday to pray for the release of two bishops who were kidnapped last week. Greek Orthodox archbishop Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim were seized on Monday near the northern commercial and industrial hub of Aleppo, which is contested by rebels and forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Representatives of twelve Christian sects held the Sunday mass at the Holy Cross Church in Damascus to a packed audience. Well-wishers lit candles and prayed for the safe return of the bishops. During the Mass, Archbishop Jean Kawat, Deputy Patriarch of Syriac Orthodox, read a statement released by both the Patriarchy of Syriac Orthodox and Greek Orthodox, saying the two bishops were on a humanitarian mission when they were kidnapped. "We direct to the kidnappers to tell them that those two, who were kidnapped, are peace messengers in the world and their religious, national and social work is a witness of this. We call them to deal with this incident away from any tensions that does not help but the country's enemies," said Kawat. Authorities blamed the abduction on a "terrorist group", the label they usually give to anti-Assad rebels, but opposition fighters in the province denied they had kidnapped the two and said they were working for their release and trying to find out who had taken them. The bishops were the most senior church figures caught up in the fight between Assad's forces and rebels trying to end four decades of family rule by Assad and his late father. Christians make up less than 10 percent of Syria's 23 million people and, like other religious minorities, many have been wary of the mainly Sunni Muslim uprising against Assad, whose Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam.


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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Freshman pitcher Shelby Wisdom has garnered Big West Conference Pitcher of the Week and College Sport Madness Softball Big West Player of the Week honors after an outstanding week in the circle for the Gauchos.
The Elk Grove, Calif. native led UCSB to five consecutive wins last week, including a doubleheader sweep of Cal State Bakersfield and a conference series sweep of UC Riverside.
Wisdom tossed a total of 28 innings during the week and three complete games. She compiled a 1.00 ERA across her five games, allowed just five runs (four earned) on 18 hits, and struck out 33 batters.
In game one against the Highlanders, she pitched six shutout innings before being relieved by Andriana Collins. During the second game of the series, she was one strikeout shy (11) of her career-high. The five-game winning streak is her longest of the season.
At the plate, Wisdom batted .333 with a team-best five runs coupled with four RBI. She posted a career-best three hits in the opener against the Highlanders to go along with three RBI and a home run.
The honors mark the first of the season for Wisdom, who now holds a 16-12 record. She needs just two more wins to tie the school record for single season pitcher victories.
The Gauchos will return home this weekend to host first-place Pacific in a three-game conference series, which will begin with a noon doubleheader on Saturday, April 21 at Campus Diamond. To purchase tickets, visit the Ticket Office in the Intercollegiate Athletics Building on campus, call (805) 893-UCSB or buy online here.


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Peter Green Chilled currently operate in Somerset. Head Office - Evercreech, Shepton Mallet Multi-Chamber site, offering 14,000 racked pallet spaces
- 11,000 Chilled
- 3,000 Frozen
- Chilled capacity includes chambers running at 3°C, 12°C and 16°C
- Frozen capacity running at -22°C
- Freezer Chamber includes a 'Blast Freezer' for rapid product cooling.
- Adjacent Freezer & Chiller Rooms offer controlled product tempering.


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Not everything is what it seems!
The internet has become a major source of information and for communication, as well as a utility for trading goods and services. Many of us would find ourselves lost without online access albeit to source information, communicate with our social networks, entertain ourselves, pay our bills or catch up with daily news.
We put so much trust into what we uncover online, particularly so if you are a Gen X (age 38 – 53), Gen Y (Millenial: age 22 – 37) and a Gen Z (age 7 – 21), but can we trust everything we read and see on the net? Continue reading "Online Property Valuations – BEWARE"


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I'm going to try not to over-state this, because I'd hate to over-hype this game:
- OMG D3 is coming!
- I would sell my soul in a hot second if it would ensure they don't make me wait till 2011 for it!!
- That timeline will leave us with just over 12 months of D3 goodness till the dark vale draws a close to our pitiful existence!!!
I wish I hadn't heard the news so soon, I really can't wait that long.


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Director: Margaret Bruzelius
Information on Applying For Academic Honors (DOC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for honors?
To qualify for honors, you need a GPA of 3.5 in the comparative literature major by your junior year. Only Smith College (including Picker and Smithsonian), Five College and Smith College Junior Year Abroad courses are counted. You must also have a strong academic background in general and be able to work independently. In March or April, the director of honors verifies grades of all juniors and invites qualified students to apply for honors.
What does an honors student do?
Honors students write a thesis over the course of two semesters and meet regularly with their thesis advisers to discuss progress and read drafts.
A first draft of at least one substantial section of the thesis (20-30 pp.) is due by the last day of the fall semester. A student who is unable to meet this deadline should meet with the senior class dean to convert the thesis to a special studies.
A full draft of the thesis is due on the first Friday of March. This deadline ensures adequate time for comments and revisions in conjunction with the adviser and the second reader before the college deadline for the final draft, due by the second week of April. (The date for uploading a PDF of the thesis on the library web page allows only for copy editing of the draft submitted in April.)
At the end of the spring semester, each honors student makes an informal presentation of her thesis to a group of other honors students, faculty and friends.
Who should write a thesis?
If you wish to write a thesis, the program expects that you will have thought long and hard about your topic, normally in the context of prior coursework about that author, genre, or general area. Proposals for theses must already be clearly, fully and specifically developed by the due date for applications to the honors program (early each fall). If you are interested in applying to the honors program, you should spend part of the summer reading, thinking and clarifying your topic.
The 8 credits for the thesis are taken in addition to the regular requirements of the major, so in thinking about whether or not to apply for honors, consider how you will finish the major itself. In fact, this is one reason why many good students choose not to do honors; they find they just have too many other things they want to learn. The worst reason to do a thesis is simply for the honors of it; the best is that you want strongly to do extensive independent work on a sharply defined topic.
When can I apply for honors?
You may apply to enter the program at the earliest during the second semester of your junior year. Your application will then be discussed at the last board meeting of the spring semester, usually before May 1. At the latest, you may apply by the beginning of the first semester of your senior year. Your application will then be discussed at the first board meeting of the fall semester, usually before September 10.
What is a comparative literature thesis?
A comparative literature thesis is a comparative study of literary texts from two or more different cultures. Some theses have concentrated on theory; others have been a translation. Reading proficiency in all languages involved is a requirement, even if you work with or write about texts translated into English. Theses range from 60 to 100 pages in length and usually employ a clearly defined theoretical framework.
How do I apply for honors?
In March or early April, you should request an initial interview with the program's director of honors to explain your interest and discuss procedures. If you are on a junior year abroad, you should email the director. It is your responsibility to interest a faculty member in your project so that he or she can volunteer to become your thesis adviser. Once your project is approved, the Comparative Literature Board will appoint a second reader specialized in one of the literatures of your study.
The guidelines for departmental honors and the preliminary application form may be obtained from the comparative literature director of honors or the Office of the Class Deans, College Hall 23. You must submit a signed pink "Request for a Calculation of GPA Requirements Form" to the Senior Class Dean's administrative assistant in College Hall 23 to obtain the blue "Application to Enter Departmental Honors" form. You must complete both sides of the application, starting with the calculation of your GPA, which you should do with your major adviser. A two-page description of your purposes and the texts you plan to study is required as part of the application process.
After obtaining your thesis adviser's signature, you present the application to the director of honors for consideration by the program. Applications are discussed by the Comparative Literature Board at their last meeting in the spring semester and again at the first meeting of the fall semester. In some cases, the board may request clarification or require certain changes before accepting the proposal.
The director of honors will forward the application, with the program's recommendation, to the chair of the Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs, College Hall 23. The final decision regarding admission to the honors program rests with the Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs.
How do I register for honors?
A prospective honors student need not register for the fall semester of the honors course. If she is admitted to the honors program, the honors course will be added automatically to her registration. However, students do need to register for the second half of the year-long course when submitting registration for the second semester. The student is responsible for making all other changes (i.e., drops and adds) to her program before the appropriate deadlines.
Honors candidates must carry a minimum course load (12 credits) in each semester of the senior year. (An Ada Comstock Scholar must see the director of the Ada Comstock Program regarding credit load).
What kind of financial help is available?
The Tomlinson Memorial Fund offers up to $500 in financial assistance, but only a limited number of these grants are available. Your request for Tomlinson funds should accompany your honors applications.
What should I write in my application?
In two to three pages, summarize all the information that will allow the Comparative Literature Board to decide on the feasibility of your project.
Essential information provides answers to three key questions: what? why? how?
- What do I want to write about? (Topic)
- Why do I want to write about this topic? (Relevance, previous preparation)
- How do I want to write about it? (Method, tentative outline of chapters)
The board is willing to examine a limited amount of additional material—for instance, a select bibliography of primary and secondary sources, or a paper you have already written on one of the texts in your proposal. The Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs (SHIP), however, will look only at your thesis application, so it should be complete in itself.
An example of an application:
"Readings of fiction written in and about modern South Africa and China remain incomplete without taking into account the overpowering legacies of colonialism and domestic political traumas. During and following the long period of apartheid (1948–1994) in South Africa and, in China, the Cultural Revolution (1966–76) and the 1989 Tiananmen Incident, what roles could the writer take in (re)defining these modern nations? Specifically, what does the presence of Euro-North American thought and art in narratives about the quest for identity suggest about the possibilities for an autonomous national literature within these nations?
"To address this question, I intend to examine how two authors, Nadine Gordimer (b.1923) and Hong Ying (b.1962), appropriate Euro-North American influences to serve specific socio-political functions in narrating their countries' respective political traumas. The thesis will be grounded in close readings of allusions to Western culture in four novels: Gordimer's Burger's Daughter (1979), a novel of apartheid, and her first post-apartheid novel, The House Gun (1998), Hong's autobiographical Daughter of the River (1997) and her earlier Summer of Betrayal (1992), a novel on the Tiananmen Massacre and its aftermath.
A further paragraph relating relevant history to the texts to be studied, another summarizing contrasts between them and a preliminary list of historical and theoretical sources would conclude this proposal.
Titles of recent theses:
"Strategies of Transculturation in U.S. Latina Lesbian Prose and Performance"
"Esperpento and the Grotesque in the Carnival Works of Valle-Inclan and Synge"
"Modulated Voices: Four Tales of Women Changed by the Modern City"
"A translation of Part I of Vincent Ravalec's Wendy"
What is the second reader's role?
Because a comparative literature thesis involves at least two different fields of competence, you should seek advice and feedback from both your advisor and your second reader. For the same reason, the director of honors should be sure that the adviser and second reader consult with each other early in the process to make sure they agree on procedures and method.
Are there any other requirements once my application has been approved?
A student accepted into the honors program must make an appointment for "bibliographic assistance" with a reference librarian at the libraries relevant to the project, for a personalized session geared specifically to her thesis project. This meeting must take place before mid-October at the latest. It will take about an hour and will be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the reference librarian and the student. After the library meeting, the appropriate librarian should sign and date the yellow "Required Library Instruction Form" and forward it to the chair of the Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs, College Hall 101.
How do I withdraw from the program?
To withdraw from writing a thesis, you need permission from the director of honors, who, after consultation with your thesis adviser, relays your request to the chair of the Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs. If you've made good progress and produced some revised writing, the thesis project may be converted into a Special Studies of one or two semesters. After receiving approval from the chair of the subcommittee, you must submit a Special Studies form to the registrar.
How do I prepare the manuscript?
Guidelines for preparing an honors thesis are available in the Office of the Class Deans, College Hall 101. Support staff in the Technology Commons in the basement of Seelye and the Center for Foreign Languages and Culture (CFLAC) in Wright Hall are available for consultation and can provide equipment, some materials and guided assistance for the mounting of visual materials. You must submit two copies of your thesis to the college. One copy is given to the program's director of honors. The other copy (on acid-free paper) is turned in to the Senior Class Dean, College Hall 101, for later submission to the library.
Can I get an extension?
An extension of up to five days from the initial due date may be granted at the discretion of the program's director of honors. A further extension of no longer than two weeks from the initial due date may be granted only by the chair of the Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs, upon written application from the program's director of honors.
What happens during the thesis presentation?
At the thesis presentation, you will have ten minutes to explain your project to an audience that includes your thesis adviser and readers, comparative literature faculty members and students; you may also invite family and friends. (Ten minutes is time enough to read, at the most, five double-spaced typed pages.) The idea is to communicate some of what you've found out, give some useful advice to future thesis-writers, and receive public recognition for the honors work you've done. Somewhere in the presentation, give a summary of your purpose and your conclusions. You may want to read a paragraph from your introduction or ending. Handing out a page or two from the texts you studied may also be a good idea. Before the presentation, schedule a practice session for your presentation with your thesis adviser, to be sure you're observing the time limit and explaining not only what you did in the thesis but why your work is significant.
Your presentation will be followed by ten minutes of questions from the audience. This is a friendly audience; no one is out to make you look bad. Remember, too, that this oral presentation counts for only 10% of your overall thesis grade. Your thesis counts for 60% and your grades in the comparative literature major count for 30%.
Who will evaluate my thesis?
Your thesis adviser and second reader each provide an honors designation (highest honors, high honors, honors, pass, or fail). If they substantially disagree, the program board will name a third reader. The final honors designation, submitted for recommendation to the Subcommittee on Honors and Independent Programs, is based on your thesis, your presentation and your grades in the major.


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Itchen Way
50 km / 31 miles
Following the River Itchen from the mouth to the source this varied route leads from the chalk downland through Winchester to water meadows and nature reserves and the downs.
Publications, Badges and Certificates:
You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info.(interactive map help)
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence.
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities.
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn.
At high zoom levels the route is indicative only.


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Hentai Picture: When Gwen can't go to sleep she has to deep-throat Ben's shaft – it always helps!
Gwen gets screwed ass to pussy till she drools cum out of her both cum receptacles… Kissing and touching is how every Ben 10 routine to commence, but one can never foresee what it will come down to. Let's follow the lead of a hootchie from Ben 10 that is getting hammeres off the curb after she'd been doing her shopping a couple of minutes ago.
Top Posts
Recent Comments
- Anonymous on Ben Tennyson's surprized to observe Gwen's bald cunny
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- Anonymous on Gwen and Ben retunr from the lake. Gwen is all shivering, soddening moist because ben gave her a meaty creampie, and now she has to liea to Grandpa Max to decorate their litte secret.


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Snoop Dogg Drops New 'Bible of Love' Gospel Album [Listen]
After dropping his 220 EP last month, Snoop Dogg has dropped off his brand new album called Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love. The new LP contains a 32 tracks and is led by the single 'Words Are Few' featuring B Slade. It carries features from the likes of Faith Evans, Charlie Wilson, The Clark Sisters and Rance Allen.
Listen below:


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Adobe Animate CC is a new tool, and a direct replacement of Flash Professional. It is a premier animation tool for web design and development. This 2-day class is designed for web designers, interactive designers, and web developers who want to add standards-based motion graphics and interactive content to web sites and mobile applications using Adobe Animate. Adobe's Animate is a new motion and interaction tool for creating animated, interactive content using HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Animate CC is designed to be powerful yet approachable and easy to use.
We're sorry. We currently do not have that class scheduled. Please contact us at 913-393-9856 or via e-mail if you are interested in this class.


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K-6 students will attend an assembly on Friday, April 29 for a performance by Sheltered-Reality.
This is a percussion group that also tells a positive message about believing in yourself. There may be three to ten performers on the stage. The show lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour and fifteen minutes. After the performance is over, students will return to their rooms to share more about the show.
This is a chance to have fun and enjoy some great music with a great message for your students.
Students in 5th and 6th grade participated in Science Fair on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. They started preparing for this in September by conducting the steps of the Scientific Process in order to understand their project. After Winter Break, the students started bringing in their materials to start conducting their experiments. Throughout January and February, the 5th and 6th graders worked really hard on getting all of the pieces of the Scientific Process and understanding the outcome of their experiment. This was then presented on the 23rd in the Fine Arts Lobby. For judges, Mr. Maske, Mr. Wahls, Mr. Zurbriggen, and Mrs. Rankin were asked to assist with this piece. Both grades had groups receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Winners are shown below.
5th Grade
1st - Jayden Rankin and Emily Frey
2nd - Jessi Gordon, Harlie Miller, and Sierra Mohs
3rd (Tie) - Harley Hoppe and Lindsay Weller; Tania Marroquin and Yuvitza Toj; Maria Rivera and Vannessa Schunelle
6th Grade
1st (Tie) - Olivia Lansing; Kelleigh Martins and Jenna Fish; Emily Navarro and Kylee Whalen
2nd - Kimberly Mucia and Kathleen Looney
3rd - Francisco Ocampo, Raul Solis, Javier Hernandez
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math)
Join us for a free meal of Walking Tacos and Milk.
Please donate a canned food item for the food pantry. Our goal is to collect 100 or more items!
Who: All K-6 students along with their families
Where: Lunchroom and various classrooms
When: Monday, February 8, 2016
Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Kindergarten 100th Day of School
Kindergarten students will be presenting their 100s day program on Monday, February 8, in the Fine Arts Center at 5:30pm. After the program, students and their families are invited to come over to the elementary lunchroom for the Walking Taco meal and enjoy their 100s day projects that will be displayed in the hallway.
Many projects and activities will be available for students and their families in throughout the school for all students Kindergarten-6th grade.
The attendance for this programs is listed below.
|Food Items Donated
|Food Items Donated:98
|Food Items Donated:106
|Food Items Donated:
The 6th grade guidance classes have been learning a lot about different character traits. During their "Be Kind" lesson, they participated in a Pay it Forward Day around the school. They organized a place to go and helped out a staff member during their guidance class. Staff was very appreciative and the students enjoyed helping out. Great job, 6th graders!
On Friday, December 12 , all 5th and 6th grade students participated in Hour of Code. The Postville School District received an award of $4,000 for their efforts in this program! Information about this award can be found in this newsletter.
On Friday, April 25, the elementary (K-5) celebrated Career Day. The theme of the day was "Oh the Places You'll Go", because we know that all of our students are off to great places! Students spent time researching the professions, had a show and tell about their costumes, wrote resumes, set goals, and many other exciting and motivating activities.
On this day, students were encouraged to dress up as what they would like to be when they grow up. Some choices include:
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Lawyer
- Architect
- Artist
- Coach
- Construction Worker
- Judge
- Police Officer
- Firemen
- Dentist
- Disc Jockey
- Football Player
Parents were asked to help their child decide what to dress up as, takiing into consideration that they may need to participate in PE and recess.
The Middle School Student Council sponsored the fundraiser "Pennies For Patients". This fundraiser ran from March 24 to April 4. The council set a goal of raising $800. As of April 9, they raised $1,170.18! The Middle School would like to thank all of their supporters for their generous donations!
Wednesday, March 5th was World Read Aloud Day. Posville celebrated this occasion by having every middle school student read aloud a story or two to 3 year old preschool students up to 3rd grade students.
Postville Middle School proudly presents:
30 Reasons Not To Be in a Play
by Alan Haehnel.
"Stage kisses, pinkeye, inciting World War III -- these are only a few of the many things that can go wrong during the production of a play. From the author of 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play comes a full evening of the horrors and hardships that befall those who feel the call of the stage. In a series of hilarious examples, this play proves that drama can be a very dangerous thing and it must be avoided at all costs."
The play will be held for the public on March 1st at 7:00 pm and March 2nd at 2:00 pm in the Fine Arts Center. Tickets will be $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for students.
As the holidays quickly approach, many of us are looking for opportunities to help those in need. I know that many classes are already participating in the food drive and/or adopt a family, but I am sending out one more opportunity to pay it forward. My class will again be making fleece blankets for the organization Project Linus. This is an organization that gives new, handmade blankets to children ages 0-18 who are ill, in need of surgeries/transplants, or have had a traumatic experience. Many of the blankets are given to local hospitals or organizations to help those children in our area.The blanket provides a warm, cozy, security to them in tough times. This is an special organization to me, as my daughter Paxten received a Project Linus blanket while she was in the hospital for her lung surgery. She continues to snuggle with it and it reminds me how fortunate we were.
Last year, our Postville students were able to make 22 blankets that I took to a blanket drop-off in Cedar Falls! I'm hoping that this year we can make even more! I am planning on having our 2nd annual "Blanketeer" day on December 18th before we go home for break. Last year, the middle school student council was gracious enough to help out. Advisors, would that be an option again this year? Also, high school teacher, this would be a great way to help your students fulfill some volunteer hours!
So, if you, your students, or your class is interested in participating in this volunteer experience, please message me back for more details and a parent letter.
Thanks, Shelsea Baker


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Magenta: Phantom Shanghai
Ah, back to the world of architecture and invisibility. This gem is out of stock and sells at a price of around 700 Euro. Would love to take a peek.
1 Responses »
i was in paris in the spring and i am fairly sure i saw this title in this bookshop:
no idea of the price, i'm afraid. maybe it's still in stock. good luck!


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I got a ride to the train today. Of course, I was running late. The car ride was full of typical off-to-school, off-to-work stresses as my ten-year-old sat in the backseat, her larger-than-she-is backpack bouncing on her lap. We've all been counting, counting, counting—how few days of school still remain.
I jumped out midway through their ride to school, this stop timed perfectly to the outbound train that arrives before my inbound one. Yes, our well-orchestrated winter ride strategy still worked brilliantly. Though I missed my warm weather walk to the train, I was pleased they made the light. As I walked to "my spot" on the train platform, from of the corner of my eye I caught our car turning the corner. Then, as though travelling in a bubble from only her to only me, wafted the most wonderful words. "Bye, Mommy!" she shouted, as loudly and innocently as only a happy ten-year-old can shout.
Bye, Mommy. As I watched the car drive out of my sight, I realized how special those words are, and how soon I'm going to trade them in for something much more middle school-esque; a groan perhaps, coupled with an eye roll? Maybe not, but I steel myself for this transition nonetheless. Truth be told, my thirteen-year old, quite the well-ensconced middle school student, would never do either. She's simply and appropriately shed the innocence of shouting out of car windows.
Bye, Mommy. Savor this, I thought. I considered the many other losses of this time of year—the loss of structure that's traded for the freedoms of summer, the many good byes, and in our case, the loss of an entire school. This is our last year at the intermediate school, one of my favorites in our school system. It's totally geared to all things 8–10 years old, nothing more, and nothing less. And it does it all brilliantly. Yet now, this too we must lose. Our time there is over. I do know from experience that the next school, though different, is equally wonderful and perfectly suited to all issues aged 11–14. I know that our youngest will thrive there as our older child now does. It's not about the gains, though, not yet. At this time of year, it is about the losses first—to make room for the gains.
My mind flashed next to the many teachers I'm riding on this train to serve, the teachers that are the pure raison d'être for Teacher Peach, the reason I bound into this work I love each morning. How do you do it, teachers? You form such incredible bonds with your students. You spend the beginning months of the school year exploring all of your students to learn who they are. Then you seamlessly shift to helping them discover who they can become on your short ten-month watch. You coach, cajole, foster, encourage, and lead each of them to their next benchmark of progress. And then you must say goodbye. And you graciously, kindly, and lovingly let go. How do you stand the losses? Or are they losses at all?
My thoughts move to the teacher who started all of this for me, my mother, sporting her Cameo pin in the photo at the top of this blog. My mother taught in early childhood for almost 40 years. It is through her that I first learned two things that shaped my professional life: one, that teachers possess amazing gifts to inspire other people (as you do for me, each day!), and two, that I'd probably never be a teacher in the pure sense of the word. According to my mother, I lacked the patience required, instead possessing the talent to capture and express the passions of others in ways that inspire them to keep sharing their gifts. The mission of Teacher Peach proves her accuracy, yet again. (She was rarely wrong, my mother.)
My mother didn't see the endings of school years as losses. She was a teacher through and through. Each year, she gained new little faces and each year she happily sent off these awakened curious little minds to their next adventures in Kindergarten. She made it all look so easy.
She'd say, "That young child is going to be a doctor. This little one is going to be on the stage." Years later, she'd go to many a doctor's appointment only to meet a young doctor whose name she recognized. "So, I see you did become a doctor. I told your mother you would back when you were in preschool, Julia Louise." She never forgot even a middle name. She was right about her predictions. Even when the stage she'd predicted turned out to be a boardroom, it was still a stage, tapping into those talents she'd detected so long ago. She was also spot-on when she reassured worried parents. "I promise you, Lynne, he will not walk down the aisle wearing shorts or carrying a pacifier. He moves at his own pace. He'll be just fine." And he usually was.
Perhaps that's how most teachers cope with losses. Perhaps to teachers, these endings aren't loses at all; they are accomplishments, part of the process, and a path to new beginnings. At least they were to my mother. We'd joke that she was like the Lone Ranger, standing off to the side as she watched her young charges bound off to those next adventures. We even scripted her lines, envisioning her turning to her Tonto, her trusty assistant teacher, to say, "Yes, our job is done here, Esther. We must move on and meet our next adventure. We have 28 new little ones coming to join us in a few weeks. Right now, it's off to summer play camp for us."
This time of wrapping up another school year, filled with bittersweet endings and shiny new beginnings for the kids and families, might be as filled with emotion for the teachers our company works to support. In the case of our teachers, I hope it is as it was for my mother, a time of rich, happy emotion. I hope it is a time of pride of progress, delight in the new discoveries made, and a time to measure what's been accomplished, for the students and their teacher-guides.
And so our teachers continue to teach. This time I'm the student, learning from the amazing teachers in my past and my present that losses can be good, even easily twisted into progress markers on a journey of learning. I liked this train ride today. Yes, we will continue to count down the number of school days left in our house, of that I am sure. After hearing "Bye, Mommy," this morning, however, I think I shall count just a little bit more slowly from here on out.
I hope this personal reflection touches a chord for you. At Teacher Peach, we strive to inspire teachers to recognize the incredible contributions you make to each and every student in your charge. You make huge differences. Know that, like my mother knew it. We do.
How will you wrap up this school year? What predictions will you make about your students? What are your particular points of pride about this recent school year? We'd love to hear from you here.


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He was horrified when his friend and fellow Celebrity Big Brother housemate John Partridge nominated him for eviction recently, but it looks like Darren Day may end up having the last laugh.
The 47-year-old is now favourite to win the Channel 5 reality show, with John's shock decision to nominate him actually working in his favour.
Darren, who's starred in various theatre musical and once hosted ITV show You Bet!, has admitted he's taking part in the series to try to change the public's perception of him after being labelled a love rat, so he'll no doubt be thrilled if he's crowned this year's champion.
He's emerged as the frontrunner in the last few days, with Ladbrokes offerings odds of 2/1 for him to win.
'The money for Darren has been relentless and punters are convinced he will walk away as this year's King of CBB,' says a spokesperson for the bookmakers.
However Geordie Shore star Scott 'Scotty T' Timlin is not far behind, with odds of 3/1 while TOWIE's Gemma Collins is at 5/1.
Darren, who has battled drink and drug addiction in the past, was left reeling when former EastEnders star John said he was nominating him because he had begun to use smoking as 'coping mechanism' and viewers seem to have sided with him.
'This is a difficult one,' John said during his nomination, which was delivered face to face.
'Over the course of this week, I've seen Darren go from a happy-go-lucky guy into somebody that has withdrawn.
'I've seen him pick-up habits that he had discarded before he came into this house, and he's using them as a coping mechanism.'
Darren seemed worried about how the comment would be perceived and was quick to point out that he hadn't had a drink during his time in the house.
He became a household name back in the nineties after starring in musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, but he earned a reputation as something of a womaniser due to his relationships with the likes of Anna Friel, former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw and Isla Fisher, who's now married to Sacha Baron Cohen.
The fact that he and Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw were pictured sneaking out of each other's hotel rooms while they were both in relationship didn't exactly help his cause.
He and Suzanne went on to have a son together named Corey, but they split when Darren allegedly cheated on her with his theatre co-star Cecilia Carneby.
However he's now happily married to Stephanie Dooley, who is mother to two of his children, and says he's a 'changed man'.
'What I hope will happen is if there are the boos on the way in there are a couple of cheers on the way out and I can change the opinion of a few people that have that perception of me,' he told reporters before entering the house.
'I coined the phrase of 'love rat' really I suppose but it is not something I am proud of or something I would be crazy about my children hearing so if there could be a different tag after this, I would say job done to some degree.'
CBB continues tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm.
Watch a clip of Darren on Celebrity Big Brother here:
MORE: 'He's a two-faced c***!' CBB security intervene as Megan McKenna lashes out at John Partridge
MORE: Jonathan Cheban left Celebrity Big Brother 'because David Bowie's death was turned into a joke'


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Summer Camp this year has been a complete contrast. After months of endless rain one of the leaders managed to arrange to have the jet stream shifted 15° north and we were blessed with a glorious week of unrelenting sunshine and excessive consumption of suncream.
Our destination wasBuddens Scout Campsite in Dorset where we were looked after by Stuart and his fantastically helpful team. The first job on arrival, after unloading, pitching tents, getting the mess tent sorted, assembling tables, making tea, unpacking bags all over the field and losing several items of kit, was to bui
ld a flag pole.
This was the biggest flagpole in the camp. I should say tha
t we have a lar
ge flag and it is important to have the correct proportions. It had nothing to do with a competitive tendency. On Monday we were building rafts (or in reality semisubmersibles) once launched the session degenerated into an ad hoc re-enactment of Trafalgar with balls of pond weed as missiles. The session ended with Charlie's appearance draped in pond weed as an early B movie swamp monster.
On Tuesday half the troop set off sea kayaking from Lulworth cove to Durdle Door where the sight of the fleet approaching through the natural arch was enough to send a wave of terror through the innocent holidaymakers lying on the beach ahead.
Meanwhile the others hiked along the coastal path from Ringstead to Lulworth cutting off any possible retreat for the beachgoers. After meeting for lunch at Lulworth the kayakers hiked back to Ringstead while the hikers spent the afternoon coasteering. For some the challenge was climbing the rocks, for others jumping off and for a few it was getting the wetsuit on. Wednesday morning we spend clay pigeon and air rifle shooting. Sam, Brian and Ashley at Purbeck shooting school (http://www.shooting.uk.com) were fantastic with the lads. Personally Scouts armed with shotguns makes me a little nervous but Sam and his team have clearly dealt with heavily armed youth before and the only losers were the clay pigeons. In the afternoon our visit to the Swanage lifeboat station culminated in a call out (shout). Proving it is possible to get all your kit together and leave in under 9 minutes even if you start at the other end of the campsite.
Thursday we back with Nige and Ed from Jurassic tours (http://www.jurassiccoastactivities.co.uk) for more coasteering and Sea kayaking. Once back at camp Luke's washing line was raided for building materials for bivouacs. All set for a night sleeping out but not before a fantastic supper of chilli and wraps. Supper was interrupted briefly with the shock announcement by Will that he really liked it but calm was restored when it became clear that this was only if he left everything except the cheese out of the wrap. The campfire entertainment included Emmanuel with his Pancake rap. Steve's "in my pants" game (before any safeguarding advisors get worried, this is Radio 4 approved). Steve also proved to us quite how difficult counting to 10 can be. Finally on Thursday we had Luke's much anticipated scare your pants off story. The only question is "is it true?"
On Friday as the sun came up over the bivouacs and we realised that no one had been carried off overnight it was time to cook breakfast over the fire. We played wide games for as long as possible but in the end the inevitable happened and it was time to dismantle and pack up camp. It was a shame but it was the only way to find Tommy's left boot.


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We're excited to announce that in the Kashoo web app, you can now create repeating income, expense, transfer and adjustment transactions!
Without sounding too much like the accounting geeks we are, this should come as great news for a number of reasons. For starters, it's a time-saver like no other. Say you incur an internet service bill of $80 each month. Or maybe you transfer $500 from a checking to a savings account ever first of the month. With the new repeating transactions feature, you can easily create multiple transactions in just a single click. And if you're one of those small business owners who are prone to "catch-up" style accounting, the repeating transaction feature will save you from having to enter the same transaction over and over and over again—and from making a data entry mistake.
Here are a few real-world examples:
Bob runs an ice cream stand. He's on a calendar fiscal year. It's June (the beginning of busy season!) and he wants to get caught up on his accounting which he hasn't touched all year. He also wants to do some forecasting for upcoming expenses and cash requirements. He has some expenses such as his internet bill, telephone bill, and regular payments to a contractor that happen the same time each month for the same amount. Instead of having to enter them all individually, he can now use the repeating transactions feature in the Kashoo web app to enter the expense details once. He just sets the frequency at which they occur, a start date, an end date, and instantly the expenses are created and posted to the General Ledger all in a batch!
Anne owns a graphic design consultancy. She too is also on a calendar fiscal year. It's May, and she has been diligent in invoicing her client for her consulting services every month through Paychex Accounting Online. One of her contracts is a set monthly retainer. But it's time consuming to have to create an invoice / income entry each month. With repeating transactions, Anne can now enter her invoicing details and use the repeating transactions feature to automatically create her invoices for the rest of the year with one click of her mouse. She can then email the invoice to her client when the time is right, and make any last minute adjustments as necessary.
Another example is George who owns a rental property. He has post dated checks from his tenant that he keeps in a drawer. They're all for the same amount and all dated the first day of the month. With repeating transactions, George can post the income amounts quickly and easily.
Steve is a sole proprietor who takes a monthly draw from his company to cover his salary. This requires processing a transfer through Paychex Accounting Online from his business bank account to his personal checking account. Since his monthly draws are always on the same date for the same amount, Steve can now use the repeating transactions feature to set up regular transfers.
Bottom line, the repeating transactions feature in the Kashoo web app saves time. And as they say, time is money…


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We offer this rare and exceptional antique Japanese Bank teapot decorated in relief with monkeys gathering peaches and dating from around 1900. Probably made at Yokkaichi this thinly made earthenware teapot is of rounded form with small raised spout and with raised handle loops applied to either side of a raised rim. A recessed cover sits within the top and the teapot has a raffia handle. The body of the teapot is moulded with three monkeys with one gathering peaches or fruit from a tree while another sits eyeing the fruit sits on its back. The detail is superb and the monkeys have been hand painted against the natural grey colour of the clay. Rich green glazes have been applied around the top rim and to the lid and spout and the branches bearing fruit extend down in low relief from these. The fruit is painted yellow on coloured stems with green leaves. The teapot has an impressed seal mark applied below the handle.
At Xupes we handpick our items from all over the world using our expert knowledge. As a team we study the markets to make sure we provide the most interesting and sought-after items at competitive prices. Here at Xupes, you can be assured when purchasing from us that every piece is carefully selected for our collection and is checked by our in-house specialists to ensure authenticity. We are also proud members of The Association of Art and Antiques Dealers (LAPADA), meaning you can shop at Xupes with complete confidence. Our commitment to excellent customer service and our in-house expertise ensure you an unforgettable experience when shopping with us. This experience continues after you receive your item, with our team of art and design experts on hand to provide advice on caring for your purchase.
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Elburton Primary School
Hooe Primary School
Goosewell Primary School
Dunstone County Primary School
Radford Dip Nature Reserve was a fitting venue for this nature-themed event. The study centre had not been used for some time, so clearing out was required and many commented that it was nice to see such a lovely location being put to good use again. With this in mind, local artist Jane Stevens decided to work with the children on large wildlife mosaics that will be permanently displayed in the study centre for all to enjoy. At the far end of the reserve a decked area was an excellent setting for environmental art activity, as children explored the colour wheel and built impressive structures using materials found in the surrounding woodland.
Meanwhile, back outside the study centre, music filled the air, as the children got the opportunity to try Samba drumming, concluding in a performance at the end of the day. Other activities included face painting, ceramic 'plant' tile making and a bug hunt with BTCV volunteers. The weather was ideal and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
"It provided an excellent opportunity for children from local schools to meet and work collaboratively, increasing self confidence, motivation and social skills.", Elburton primary school.
Participating artists:
Christina Peters -Ceramic tiles
Jane Stevens -Mosaic
Patrick Pearson -Samba
Andy Blackwell -Environmental art
BTCV - Mini beast trail
Karen Mills of Fantasy Faces -Facepainting
Projects > Project Archive > Big Arts Festival > Big Arts Festival Archive > Art of the Community 2010 >


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Tim Brown Assumes Project Manager Role
(Minneapolis, MN) - After 38 years with Mereen-Johnson, long time Product Manager Dave Joslyn has decided to retire.
Joslyn has seen a lot of changes over the years. "Technology has changed a lot," said Joslyn. "At first computers were not used at all, and then quickly we went from relay logic to PLCs which have developed into fully automated systems. Fortunately, Mereen-Johnson has been at the head of the pack."
"Dave Joslyn is a living legend at Mereen-Johnson," said Paul Wilmes, Mereen-Johnson CEO. "Dave has been a steady hand on the tiller always making sure customer expectations were being met."
While Dave's shoes are hard to fill, Mereen-Johnson is fortunate to have the perfect replacement already in-house. Tim Brown, who had been the Marketing Manager at Mereen-Johnson since 2006, will take Dave's place and become Mereen-Johnson's Project Manager, which will include the Product Manager responsibilities as well as other duties.
Prior to being Marketing Manager Tim had served as the head of International Sales, traveling the world for Mereen-Johnson as well as serving as Chair of the International Business Development Committee for the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America for several terms. Tim started in the chain department and has an expert understanding of how Mereen-Johnson machines and parts are made as well as how they are used in the field.
"This is the perfect position to utilize Tim's extensive knowledge of our machines as well as his well-honed customer relations skills," said Paul Wilmes. "With the retirement of Dave Joslyn there is no person in our company better suited to fill the very large shoes Mr. Joslyn will be leaving behind."
As for Dave, he isn't sure exactly what he will do in retirement, and he likes it that way. "My wife Kay will be retiring in October and we expect to take some long trips down south during winter. Maybe we will get a home up north, or maybe we will decide to do something else. Or, maybe we will just decide not to decide," mused Joslyn.
Mereen-Johnson, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with manufacturing facilities in Webster, South Dakota, has been building heavy-duty, high-tech industrial woodworking machines since 1905.


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INTRODUCTIONWhen it first hit game stores in 1977, SQUAD LEADER — John Hill's game of World War II small unit combat — rocked the wargaming community as no war game had done since PANZERBLITZ seven years before. Admittedly, the introduction of John Prados' THIRD REICH in 1974 had created a great deal of buzz within the hobby, but that excitement was nothing compared to the enthusiastic attention that John Hill's new design received when it first burst on the scene. SQUAD LEADER's ground-breaking design blended elements of board war games with those of miniatures, but then took this innovative small-unit design architecture to a whole new level. Instead of companies, players now controlled infantry squads, individual support weapons and their crews, and individual vehicles. Not surprisingly, it was an immediate hit with a large segment in the wargaming community and its sales soared. The management at Avalon Hill, realizing that they had a veritable "cash-cow" on their hands, moved to capitalize on this wide-spread enthusiasm by publishing a series of SQUAD LEADER GAMETTES over the next few years, starting with CROSS OF IRON. Each of these follow-up GAMETTES added new rules, new vehicles, additional nationalities, and new map boards to the basic SQUAD LEADER package; however, players still needed to own the original game in order to play them. This steady process of periodic new releases continued for several years. Then, in 1985, the boys in Baltimore broke with this successful retail program and, instead of introducing yet another SQUAD LEADER GAMETTE, launched a completely redesigned, and much more detailed version of the SQUAD LEADER Game System, ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER (ASL). The rest, as they say, is history.
SQUAD LEADER (2nd Edition) is a small unit, squad-level game of World War II combat on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, 1941-45. One player commands the German forces and the other player controls either Red Army units or American formations. The game is played in turns, and each turn is divided into two player turns: a German and an Allied turn. During each player turn, the phasing (acting) player will perform the following game operations in exactly this order: Rally Phase (during this phase the phasing player will, among other things, attempt to repair malfunctioning AFVs and support weapons, and rally broken units) ; Prep Fire Phase (the phasing player fires on enemy units and conducts several other secondary game operations); Movement Phase (the phasing player moves any units that did not fire during the Prep Fire Phase) ; Defensive Fire Phase; Advancing Fire Phase (moving units fire at half strength); Rout Phase (broken units rout to cover); Advance Phase (the attacking player may advance any still unbroken units one hex into that of the defenders); and the Close Combat Phase (the attacking player conducts all close combat attacks against defending units in the same hexes as attackers). Once this series of player operations is completed, the defending player becomes the phasing player, and the sequence is repeated. At the conclusion of the second player's turn, the current game turn ends and the turn marker is advanced one space on the Turn Record Track. Fire and movement are important, but morale and leadership are the real keys to John Hill's vision of small unit combat. Prospective players should take this lesson to heart: units with good morale and excellent leadership almost always have a pronounced advantage over enemy troops with inferior morale — even when those enemy troops have superior numbers and good leaders — whatever the combat situation.
Not surprisingly, because of the limited scale of the game, units do not possess zones of control, and there are no supply rules. Stacking is limited to four units per hex, only three of which may be squads. Like other modern-era tactical games, SQUAD LEADER — despite the importance it assigns to Close Combat — is primarily a "fire" oriented combat system. For this reason, blocking terrain, concealing terrain, elevation, and line of sight are critical factors in determining which units may fire and be fired on in any given combat phase. Armored Fighting Vehicles are a special case both in stacking and in line of sight (LOS): only one AFV may occupy a hex and, unlike squads which are removed from the map when eliminated, AFVs are inverted to show a wreck counter, and, upon placement, continue to count against stacking and to block LOS through their hex. Finally, because of the tactical detail represented in the game system, SQUAD LEADER (2nd Ed.) offers a variety of specialized rules to cover different combat situations. Thus, there are rules for, among other things: multi-level buildings; smoke; barbed wire; vehicle and equipment malfunctions; mines; entrenchments; fixed fortifications; artillery spotting; off-board artillery support; and even night combat operations.
SQUAD LEADER is played using a scenario or "mini-game" format. Six back-printed Scenario Cards are included with the game; these cards provide the specific orders of battle, set-ups, and victory conditions for twelve different East and West Front battlefield situations. Each scenario typically attempts to reproduce a different, but common type of small-unit engagement between German and Russian, and German and American forces during the years 1941-45.
SQUAD LEADER (2nd Ed.) also offers additional rules for those players who want to experiment further with the game system. There is a subset of "advanced" rules that permit players to design and balance their own scenarios; and there is even a provision for an "extended" SQUAD LEADER campaign that ties multiple scenarios together into one long game
A PERSONAL OBSERVATIONFirst, I have a confession: I am, it would seem, just not a SQUAD LEADER kind of guy. I don't know why, but I personally don't care much for the SQUAD LEADER Game System. Perhaps it is the small-unit aspect of the game, or maybe I prefer a different level of abstraction when it comes to wargames, but whatever the reason, I just can't get excited about SQUAD LEADER, ground-breaking tactical design or no. And it has always been so.
When the game first appeared in 1977 and most of my regular opponents ran out and immediately bought copies of the new title; I didn't. The more people raved about the game, the more I stubbornly dug my heels in; when my enthusiastic friends unanimously praised John Hill's latest creation, I adamantly refused to buy a copy of the new gaming sensation for myself. Perhaps even more frustrating to my long-time opponents was the fact that, not only did I not want to own a copy of the game, I didn't have any interest in playing it either. Of course, this could only go on for so long. In the final analysis, gaming is very much a quid pro quo type of pastime, so after resisting the imprecations of my friends for months, I finally buckled and bought my own copy of what was, by then, the 2nd Edition of the game. Unfortunately, by the time I did, the first of the SQUAD LEADER GAMETTES, CROSS OF IRON, had already been released, so, at the fevered insistence of my friends, I bought that too.
Of course, now that I was stuck for the price of both the game and the GAMETTE, I did what most people would do: I resignedly unwrapped my copy, punched out a number of the counters, and sat down to learn the game system. Three hours later, I had come to two conclusions: first, I had decided that Hill's tactical combat system was innovative and really quite clever; second, clever or not, I found that my fairly benign lack of interest had turned into an active dislike. I'm not positive, but I think that it was the abstract uniformity of the infantry squads that turned me off the game. Larger units, because of their sheer size and standardized organizations tend to lend themselves fairly easily to abstract quantification. Having personally served in the Army, however, I knew that infantry squads all tended to evidence unique qualities — personalities, if you like — that made each one of them more analogous to an individual athletic team than to some standardized abstract military asset. In the end, the uniformity of the infantry squads and the absolute dependence that the game system placed on differences in leadership just didn't feel right to me. This is not to say that I didn't finally play a couple of the short introductory scenarios with a friend (that quid pro quo thing, again), but my heart simply wasn't in it. Although I am competitive by nature and play wargames to win, in the case of SQUAD LEADER, I just wanted the games to be over with. I genuinely didn't care who won or lost. For me, that was it; I never opened the game box again until I got ready to sell my old copy on eBay a little while back.
So get to the point of all this, already, you say! The moral of this sorry little tale of mine, I suppose, is that when buying games, each player should go with his own gut instinct. If you think that you'll like a game, you probably will; if you have your doubts, then chances are that you won't. The fact that I personally don't like SQUAD LEADER is really quite unimportant. Other players whose opinions I value like the game a lot. And based on the long-term retail sales figures for the game and its many offspring: if I was to hold a convention of all the gamers who share my distaste for the game, I suspect that we could probably all fit into a phone booth. All this puts me in an awkward spot: although I don't want to play it myself, I still feel obliged to recommend SQUAD LEADER for those players with an interest in a highly-detailed, tactical game system. My rationale for making this recommendation is simple: it has just been far too popular for far too long not to have a lot going for it. The facts, as they say, speak for themselves.
Even after thirty-one years, SQUAD LEADER is still a perennial favorite among many experienced gamers and a fixture at most of the major wargaming conventions. In that sense, it has, to put it mildly, aged extremely well. Until the arrival of its perpetually-growing, mutant offspring, ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER, no other title had ever had more articles, rules variations, or scenarios printed in the various hobby magazines than had John Hill's ground-breaking creation. Today, SQUAD LEADER players occupy an interesting place in the hobby: they are typically players who enjoy the richness of the basic SQUAD LEADER Game System, but who, unlike their ASL brethren, draw the line at permitting a single game to become a virtual way of life. Given my own feelings about the game system, I can't really say that I blame them.
Design Characteristics:
- Time Scale: 2 minutes per game turn
- Map Scale: 40 meters per hex
- Unit Size: squad/individual support weapon/single vehicle
- Unit Types: various types of German, American, and Soviet Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), leader, infantry squad, (Soviet) berserker, light/medium/heavy machine gun, light/medium anti-tank gun, (German) panzerfaust, (American) bazooka, mortar, flame thrower, satchel charge, radio, (American) jeep, truck, halftrack, entrenchment, fortification, barbed wire, mine, road block, and information markers
- Number of Players: two
- Complexity: above average
- Solitaire Suitability: below average
- Average Playing Time: 2-4 + hours (depending on scenario)
Game Components:
- Four 8" x 22" geomorphic hexagonal grid Map Boards
- 520 ½" back-printed cardboard Counters
- 192 ⅝" back-printed cardboard Counters
- One 8" x 11" Rules Booklet (with LOS Chart, Random Selection Chart, Point Selection Chart, and Terrain Effects Chart incorporated)
- Two 8" x 11" back-printed Quick Reference Data Cards
- Six 8" x 11" back-printed Scenario Cards (12 scenarios total)
- Two six-sided Die
- One 5½" x 8½" Avalon Hill Game & Parts Order Form
- One 5½" x 6½" Customer Response Card
- One 8½" x 11½" x 2" bookcase style cardboard Game Box


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Periprosthetic osteolysis remains the leading complication of total hip arthroplasty, often resulting in aseptic loosening of the implant, and a requirement for revision surgery. Wear-generated particular debris is the main cause of initiating this destructive process. The purpose of this article is to review recent advances in our understanding of how wear debris causes osteolysis, and emergent strategies for the avoidance and treatment of this disease. The most important cellular target for wear debris is the macrophage, which responds to particle challenge in two distinct ways, both of which contribute to increased bone resorption. First, it is well known that wear debris activates proinflammatory signaling, which leads to increased osteoclast recruitment and activation. More recently, it has been established that wear also inhibits the protective actions of antiosteoclastogenic cytokines such as interferon gamma, thus promoting differentiation of macrophages to bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and possibly lymphocytes may also be involved in responses to wear. At a molecular level, wear particles activate MAP kinase cascades, NF?B and other transcription factors, and induce expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling. Strategies to reduce osteolysis by choosing bearing surface materials with reduced wear properties (such as metal-on-metal) should be balanced by awareness that reducing particle size may increase biological activity. Finally, although therapeutic agents against proinflammatory mediators [such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)] and osteoclasts (bisphosphonates and molecules blocking RANKL signaling) have shown promise in animal models, no approved treatments are yet available to osteolysis patients. Considerable efforts are underway to develop such therapies, and to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
This article appears in HSS Journal: Volume 2, Number 2.
View the full article at springerlink.com.
About the HSS Journal
HSS Journal, an academic peer-reviewed journal, is published twice a year, February and September, and features articles by internal faculty and HSS alumni that present current research and clinical work in the field of musculoskeletal medicine performed at HSS, including research articles, surgical procedures, and case reports.
Posted: 9/25/2006


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February is Black History Month
"Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, / I am the dream and hope of the slave. / I rise. / I rise. / I rise." ~ Maya Angelou, Still I Rise.
Whenever I think about Black History Month, I always think of this amazing quote from Angelou. She eloquently states that she has learned from her ancestors' history and lives her life with their hopes and dreams (as well as her own) at the forefront. It's a very inspirational quote that we can all learn from. Keeping Still I Rise in mind, each of the titles that I have chosen has an impressive message that people of all colors and creeds can appreciate. If you are looking for similar titles, check out my ALA Mock Youth Media Awards post (specifically the Coretta Scott King Award picks), as well as Lindsey's Historical Fiction for Elementary School post.
Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neir. Illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. 2011.
Twelve-year-old Coltrane is always getting in trouble at school, and his mother cannot take it anymore. She decides to drive him to Philadelphia to meet his father for the first time. In Philly, Cole is in for many surprises! He learns that his father is part of a group of black urban cowboys who save horses from slaughterhouses. They use the horses to teach the neighborhood kids how to be responsible for the care of another life. The kids groom and feed the horses as well as help with the upkeep of the stables. In exchange, they get to ride the horses as payment. I really enjoyed the fact that this story is based upon an actual group of urban black horsemen in North Philadelphia. A wonderful and inspirational story for children and adults, it will have you cheering and crying at the end!
Never Forgotten by Patricia C. McKissack. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. 2011.
An African folktale mixed with historical fiction tells the story of an 18th century West African boy, Musafa, raised by his blacksmith father and the Mother Elements (Earth, Fire, Water and Wind). One day Musafa disappears and is captured by the slave traders. The Mother Elements try to save him, but to no avail. Luckily, the wind is able to bring Musafa's father news that he is still alive and working as a blacksmith. McKissack's Coretta Scott King honor book will haunt you in many ways, and the free-verse will beat across the page at you like a drum. An amazing story with beautiful acrylic and watercolor illustrations. A must for any library collection!
Little Rock Girl 1957; How a Photograph Changed the Fight for Integration by Shelley Marie Tougas. 2011.
A worthwhile and honest approach to the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine's attempt to integrate Central High. There are 64 pages of clearly addressed history, which is appropriate for its target audience (5th-8th graders). The book concentrates not only on the events of the three years of attempted integration, but on other things such as what happened with the photographer, the students, and many of those who opposed their chance at education (such as Hazel Bryan, who will forever be known as the lewd girl following Eckford). Little Rock Girl is an excellent resource for those looking for more information on this aspect of the Civil Rights movement.
Belle, The Last Mule at Gee's Bend: A Civil Rights Story by Calvin Alexander and Bettye Stroud. Illustrated by John Holyfield. 2011.
This story centers around the people of Gee's Bend, Alabama, and the part they played in the struggle for civil rights for all citizens. This community, or "Benders" as they are called, were motivated by a visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to take the ferry to Camden to register to vote. Upon their arrival at the river, they are stopped by the white sheriff who has shut the ferry down. So the Benders pack up their wagons and hitch up their mules, Belle included, and make the trip to register to vote. As you can imagine, it was not a peaceful resolution. In April 1968, Gee's Bend is saddened to hear of the assassination of Dr. King, but some of that grief is eased when they find out it was Dr. King's wish to have mules pull the wagon with his coffin. Belle and Ada, the mules of Gee's Bend, became part of history in tribute to the late civil rights leader. The story is framed around a young boy named Alex, who hears the whole story from Belle's owner. Young readers will relate to Alex as he realizes that the people he's learned about were not just characters in a book; they were real people. A fantastic nonfiction picture book that belongs on every library and classroom shelf.
*More new Black History reads:
Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love by Fred McKissack. 2012.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson. 2011.
Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. 2011.
To the Mountaintop!: My Journey through the Civil Rights Movement by Charlayne Hunter-Gault. 2012.
White Water by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein. Illustrated by Shadra Strickland. 2011.


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Blouse:Ashley Stewart|Necklace:Charlotte Russe|Purse:Call It Spring|Shorts:Forever 21
Pixie Pants:Old Navy|Clutch:Asos|Sandals:Charlotte Russe
Skirt:Forever 21|Purse:Aldo|Sunglasses:Stand Out Style Boutique
Meet author, stylist, and owner of Stand Out Style Boutique, Tamika Price! She graciously hosted the 1 year blogiversary party for Lindzi, the blogger behind Trendy Sparrow.
Lindzi is a crafty business lady! Her creations are always functional & inspirational.
I absolutely fell in love with this boutique! I can't name one other store in town that has so many fabulous items for the petite, curvy, and trendy woman. You can even buy online if you aren't in the area.
Click here to take a peek inside Tamika's style guide.
Meet Sara, the blogger behind Real Life Sized Beauty!
This adorable shirt was created by Lindzi; click here to view the full collection.
As always thank you for reading, commenting, and liking!


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Kintsugi "The art of broken pieces"
Kintsugi "The art of broken pieces" a collaboration with Annette Collomb of A.C Photography.
"Kintsugi (or kintsukuroi) is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The philosophy behind the technique is to recognize the history of the object and to visibly incorporate the repair into the new piece instead of disguising it. The process usually results in something more beautiful than the original."**
Working with Annette Collomb was a nice experience since she keeps a really relaxed ambiance in the studio which also matches the theme! The art of Kintsugi spoke to me because I feel like we human are also the art of Kintsugi. During our life we break and build up. All the experiences we have in life makes who we become. Everyones story has something special and makes the beauty of you. Don't hide yourself, but show who you are.
In both my galleries you are able to find pictures of this photoshoot. I hope you all like them, cause I do!
Lots of love,
**Copied from http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/05/kintsugi-the-art-of-broken-pieces/.


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The Vectrex Arcade System Find the best deals on Vectrex games at Player's Choice. Vectrex consoles start at $185.99.Player's Choice has a complete selection of Vectrex games. Check our current stock on Vectrex consoles. Looking for that hard to find title. Search or vast inventory. If we are sold out of a game, fill out the form on the specific game page, and we will email you when it comes back in stock.Introducing the system chosen 2 to 1 over Atari and the Intellivision. For real arcade game play!Exclusive built in screen for real arcade play. No TV set needed. A revolutionary breakthrough. Only Vectrex delivers fantastic real arcade sights, sounds and challenge. Unlike Atari and Intellivsision, Vectrex has a real arcade screen and sound system, built in. No TV set needed. Real arcade controls too: a 360 degree self centering joystick and four action buttons put power packed fun at your fingertips.An arcade full of favorites. The fast paced fun Mine Storm built into the Vectrex console. And for more real arcade variety, plug Vectrex cartridges like Bezerk, Scramble, Rip off, and Armor Attack. Or choose exciting new Vectrex games like Clean Sweep, Hyperchase, Cosmic Chasm and many many more. With still more on the way...Compare the Vectrex Arcade System with any ordinary home video game system. You'll discover why most Atari and Intellivision players say Vectrex plays more like real arcade games than their own systems.Do you have some Vectrex games to trade. Just click on the Trade In button on each game you want to trade in. We also give cash for Vectrex games and systems. For more info on Game Trading Click Here
The Vectrex Arcade System
Find the best deals on Vectrex games at Player's Choice. Vectrex consoles start at $185.99.
It was also the first all in one system. With Built in Sound, Joystick (360*+ 4 buttons) and that beautiful work of art, the Raster Scan display. This little gem could play games like BattleZone exactly as the arcade had them, with the Raster Scan lines.
It had an ingenius system of using "Overlays" that brought the appearance of color to the dismal Grey Raster Scan monitor. I might also add this monitor was an exact match to the size and shape the arcades were using. Rectangular with the monitor being set in the case so that its taller than it is wider.
The Vectrex is considered by many to the be the holy grail of portable gaming. The Forefather to the Gameboy, Virtual boy, Lynx (R.I.P.) and even the Neo Geo Pocket. They all owe a nod to the Vectrex. It broke the mold and dared to be diferent.
you can find one, snatch it up. A good Vecrex is very hard to find.
100.00 is not a high price to pay for one in good condition. There are even a few of the Prototype Color units and Prototype games floating around, they are worth a lot.
Happy Hunting. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


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Thirty days is a realistic amount of time to make serious lifestyle changes and see positive results. Weight loss during that time can be significant if the proper techniques are followed. For an increased chance of lasting success, any weight loss should be kept to 1 to 2 pounds per week. Engaging in a new eating and exercise routine for 30 days also can help to turn those new practices into regular habits.
Cut 500 calories per day from your diet. One pound of body weight is equivalent to 3,500 calories. Reducing the daily caloric intake by 500 can result in losing 1 pound per week.
Burn 500 calories by working out each day to lose a second pound per week, or a total of 8 pounds in a month. For example, swimming, mountain biking and using the elliptical trainer for 50 minutes can burn more than 500 calories, depending on age, height and weight.
Eat more foods that have fewer calories and feel more satiated. Choose whole-grains, lean proteins, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables in place of foods that contain white flour, added sugars and saturated fat.
Plan the day first thing in the morning to ensure a general idea of when and what will be eaten. Planning can help to properly space out calories throughout the day.
Eat small amounts of food often throughout the day to stay full and satiated. Sweet treats, such as cookies or the chocolate in the vending machine, won't seem so tempting.
Avoid getting caught short-handed without food. Becoming hungry when you're out running errands or going from meeting to meeting can mean that you grab whatever you're able to eat. Keep healthy snacks, such as granola, fruit bars or a pack of whole-grain crackers, at all times.
Tape a photo of the bikini you want to wear on vacation or jeans that you want to fit into at the end of 30 days. Place that photo on the refrigerator and desk at work as motivation.
Plan a reward for yourself for when your dieting goals are met at the end of the month. Rewards do not have to be food, rather, a pair of shoes, a concert or a play are examples of good alternatives.


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Other issues as a result...
Tell us about yourself...
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- Kevs
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2011 4:10 am
- MBTI type: INFP
- Gender (M or F): M
- Location: Mojave Desert
Other issues as a result...
Good morning, I was wondering what kinds of other issues do ya'll have a result (indirect or direct) of being INFP? My parents are both of a personality group (can't tell exactly, think my Dad is an ENTJ) that I now know I simply don't mix well with. And both of them being raised in the depression era, and valuing hard work, "grabbing the bull by the horns" etc etc put the spin on my head for my whole life. I'm now 50 and really just starting to understand my own true sense of self. Anyway, I tend to be somewhat "feral" in nature, kinda skiddish around other humans. I take up the space in between things, etc etc. I struggle with attachment to other humans as in indirect result of my being INFP. Was just wondering. I may have asked this before, as it keeps coming up for me, and I haven't been here for over a year.
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