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Monday, September 29, 2008
154 - Home; Marilynne Robinson
In Home, Jack Boughton, is the prodigal son, one of the eight children of Robert Boughton, the former Gilead, Iowa, pastor, who now, in 1957, is a widowed and dying man. Jack returns home after a 20 year absence, shortly after his sister Glory, 38, the youngest of the children, moves in to nurse their father. It is through Glory's eyes that we see Jack's drama unfold. When Glory last saw Jack, she was 16, and he was leaving Gilead with a bad reputation, having gotten an underage girl pregnant. By his account, he'd since lived as a vagrant, drunk and jailbird until he met a woman named Della in St. Louis. Little by little throughout the book we see Jack and Glory bond while taking care of their father, but when Jack's letters to Della are returned unopened, Glory has to deal with Jack's relapse into bad habits and the effect it has on their father.
Although it is not necessary to read Gilead before reading Home, I would recommend it. Out of the (3) books by the author, Home was my least favorite. I found parts of it painfully slow, as I read page after page, in detail, of the family's daily activities: cooking, sitting on a porch, gardening etc. The one redeeming fact was that the author's writing was beautiful, so it made even the mundane a bit more interesting. One other point--- I would consider this book Christian Fiction. If this does not bother you then give this book a try.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
153 - Fahrenheit 451; Ray Bradbury
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday Finds
I came across this book by accident and had to order it. We are avid cat lovers and library lovers. Therefore, it was not hard to justify ordering this book. I can't wait for it to arrive.
From Publishers Weekly
One frigid Midwestern winter night in 1988, a ginger kitten was shoved into the after-hours book-return slot at the public library in Spencer, Iowa. And in this tender story, Myron, the library director, tells of the impact the cat, named DeweyReadmore Books, had on the library and its patrons, and on Myron herself. Through her developing relationship with the feline, Myron recounts the economic and social history of Spencer as well as her own success story—despite an alcoholic husband, living on welfare, and health problems ranging from the difficult birth of her daughter, Jodi, to breast cancer. After her divorce, Myron graduated college (the first in her family) and stumbled into a library job. She quickly rose to become director, realizing early on that this was a job I could love for the rest of my life. Dewey, meanwhile, brings disabled children out of their shells, invites businessmen to pet him with one hand while holding the Wall Street Journal with the other, eats rubber bands and becomes a media darling. The book is not only a tribute to a cat—anthropomorphized to a degree that can strain credulity (Dewey plays hide and seek with Myron, can read her thoughts, is mortified by his hair balls)—it's a love letter to libraries.
152 - Latte Trouble; Cleo Coyle
Latte Trouble, by Cleo Coyle is book #3 of the Coffeehouse Mystery Series. I have enjoyed the first two books in this series however, the ending to this book was similar to many cozy mysteries I have read before. I found that disappointing.
In this installment Clare Cosi and her staff are busy as The Blend is hosting a private party during Fall Fashion Week, featuring a new line of Java Jewelry. During the party one of the guests is poisoned and dies while drinking a Latte. Tucker, one the The Blend's Barista's is suspected. Clare investigates and hopes to find the real killer so that Tucker will be free.
One of the best things about this series are the recipes. If you are ready for a fun mindless read, the Coffeehouse Mysteries are recommended.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
151 - Murder is Binding; Lorna Barrett
From time to time when I need some fluff, I enjoy a good cozy mystery. Loving books, bookstores and life in a sleepy New England town, Murder is Binding, by Lorna Barrett, seemed like the perfect book for me. It is the first book in Booktown Mystery Series. I was not disappointed.
Set in fictional Stoneham, N.H., the streets in this town are lined with bookstores (my dream town). Tricia Miles is a mystery bookshop owner, who soon becomes a suspect when a fellow bookstore owner, Doris Gleason is murdered---stabbed to death and a rare cookbook is missing. Determined to clear her name, Tricia, and some other locals help her to try and clear her name.
This was a really fun cozy mystery. The book had quirky characters, was plot driven, and had me anxious to turn the pages. I can't wait for the second installment: Bookmarked for Death, scheduled to be released in February of 2009.
RATING - 4/5 - Completed - 9/25/08
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
150 - The Toss of a Lemon; P. Viswanathan
The novel follows Sivakami, from the time of her marriage in 1896 at the age of ten, to when she becomes a widow at age eighteen, left alone with two young children. The story continues as the reader watches the difficulties faced by her household and other family members during this period, up until her death. The family remained central to the story despite the political atmosphere at the time.
The book was an impressive work which I did enjoy. Having said that I need to add that there was far too much detail for my taste (the author could have easily eliminated 150 pages and still had a beautiful novel). In addition, I did find some difficulty with the writing style ( more annoyance ), as certain passages did not flow smoothly. Despite this the book is recommended for readers for enjoy a very good historical novel.
149 - Breaking Dawn; Stephenie Meyer
I'm not going to comment on anything specific in the book. I loved the way the book began, and I found some parts were pretty intense. I thought the author did a good job bringing the loose ends together at the end. There was no way that Meyer was going to please all her readers with this book.
Personally, I am happy that the series has ended, as after this one I feel pretty "vampired-out". If you were a fan of the first (3) books, and you have not yet read Breaking Dawn, I recommend you do so; I don't think you will be disappointed.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fall Into Reading Challenge - Sept 22, 2008 - Dec 20, 2008
The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder and the leaves will soon be turning. It's also time for Fall Into Reading Challenge - 2008. The dates of this challenge are September 22, 2008 through December 20, 2008.
It's simple: just read the books you want to read, have fun doing so, and share your lists and reviews with the group.
Here is my list:
- Toss of a Lemon; P. Viswanathan - 4/5
- Hot Mahogany; Stuart Woods - 3/5
- Fractured; Karin Slaughter- 4/5 - audiobook
- The Numerati; Stephen Baker- 5/5
- Perfect Family; Pam Lewis - 4/5
- Breaking Dawn; S. Meyer - 4/5
- I See You Everywhere; J. Glass - 2/5
- The 19th Wife; D. Ebershoff
- When You Are Engulfed in Flame; D. Sedaris-3.5/5
- American Wife; C. Sittenfeld
- Death Angel; Linda Howard-4/5
- Fahrenheit 451; Ray Bradbury - 4/5
- Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World; Myron - 5/5
- Black Swan Green; David Mitchell
- The Virgin River; Robyn Carr-5/5
- The Keepsake; Tess Gerritsen
- The Necklace:Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives; C. Jarvis- 4/5
- Sweetheart; Chelsea Cain - 4/5
- Holidays on Ice: More Stories; David Sedaris- 4/5
- Grace; Richard Paul Evans-5/5
- Tis the Season; Lorna Landvik
- Gate House; Nelson DeMille-2.5/5
- Do Dead People Watch You Shower; Bertoldi-5/5
- Home; Marilynne Robinson - 4/5
- Goldengrove; Francine Prose - 4/5
Sunday, September 21, 2008
148 - Tethered; Amy MacKinnon
Clara Marsh, is an emotionally fragile woman who works as an undertaker in Brockton, MA. She does not believe in God. When asked what she does believe, she responds by saying "I believe it is important to breathe". She spends her solitary life among the dead, preparing their last baths and bidding them farewell with a bouquet from her own garden. Her carefully structured life shifts when she discovers a neglected, possibly abused young girl playing in the funeral parlor, desperate for a friend.
Clara's ordered life changes even more when a detective starts questioning her about a body she prepared three years earlier. The body was of an unidentified young girl found murdered in the woods nearby. Unclaimed by family, the community christened her Precious Doe. Is there a link between the young girl who seeks the funeral parlor as a sanctuary to the same people who killed Precious Doe?
The best parts of this book for me were its fabulous cover art, and the detailed descriptions of life as an undertaker. I'm not disappointed that I read this book, however, the story itself I found boring. Perhaps it was because, I just finished another new debut novel that I totally loved: Tomato Girl; Jayne Pupek.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
147 - Tomato Girl; Jayne Pupek
I have been avoiding writing a review about the book Tomato Girl, by Jayne Pupek, because that would mean it was time for me to move on to something else. I did not want to move on. I love loved loved this book! I read it once (in one day), but then the following day I went back and placed sticky notes on at least 10 pages, so that I could reread some of the haunting passages again, and keep them for the future.
Tomato Girl is about Ellie Sanders, an 11-year old girl growing up in a dysfunctional family. It is not an easy read, but I found myself anxiously waiting to turn each page. It is a heartbreaking account of mental illness and how it can tear apart a family. The prologue is only one page, and yet it made my jaw drop open.
FROM THE PROLOGUE.............Jars line my cellar shelves. Some are filled with fists of yellow-veined tomatoes. Others hold small onions and chopped leeks, white pearl onions floating in an opaque sea. Sometimes the light falls on a jar of boiled quail or the slick dark meat of a rabbit. There are unexpected moments when I see the slit of an infant's mouth, or the curl of a tiny fist behind the glass, and I run up the steps, back into the open light of sky...........I need to tell what I remember, I need to tell the story of a girl whose world unraveled like a torn scarf.............
What I loved best about this book (well there are so many things to love), but especially that the story is told through 11-year old Ellie's eyes, and how she views the world she lives in. There are loads of clues the reader will pick up on, but naive Ellie does not (at least not initially). Ellie is so genuine; you just want to sweep her away ......off to a normal childhood as she is faced with far too many difficult adult issues. The novel takes place in 1969 in a fictional town in Virginia, so there is a whole racial element to the story as well.
I have read over 100 books in 2008 and this is my favorite so far. I thought it was brilliant how the heart of the story takes place during Easter week. There is a part when Ellie thinks about her "God Promises"....so touching. There are so many beautiful passages and analogies in this book. I do not want to quote any more as I don't want to spoil it for others.
PLEASE read this book; it is one book that will resonate long after the final page has been turned.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
146 - Shopping for Porcupine: A Life in Artic Alaska; Seth Kantner
If you are looking for a beautifully written book with wonderful photographs of Alaska, I highly recommend: Shopping for Porcupine: A Life in Artic Alaska, by Seth Kantner.
This book is part autobiography and part a historical portrait of Alaska and its people. Seth Kantner was born in 1964 and spent most of his life in Northern Alaska. His story begins with the arrival of his father, Howard Kantner, to the remote Arctic of the 1950s and ends with him as a grown man settled in the same landscape. The story is told through a series of moving essays and vivid photographs. The subjects range from family histories to hunting stories and celebrations of people and places.
This book is # 2 for the author. His first book Ordinary Wolves received great reviews, and I look forward to reading this book as well in the near future.
RATING - 5/5 - Completed - 9/18/08
145 - Damage Control; J.A. Jance
HarperCollins Short ReviewAn intruder is murdered. An elderly couple runs their car off a cliff while holding hands. A trailer fire kills a man. Skeletal remains are found in a plastic bag. A quiet weekend in Cochise County, Arizona is a thing of the past. "Damage Control" combines suicide, murder, and mayhem--with revelations concerning Sheriff Joanna Brady's personal life--in a rousing mystery sure to keep you turning the pages far into the night.
Well, long story short, this book did not have me turning pages long into the night. I did enjoy parts of it very much, but after a great start, the book slowed to a turtle's pace, and I began to lose interest. I am glad I finished the book, but all in all I found this one to be just a so so read.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Waiting on Wednesday
I have been a huge Wally Lamb fan and have been disappointed it has been so long since his last books: She's Come Undone and I Know This Much is True.
"After a 10-year hiatus from fiction, on November 11, 2008, Wally Lamb returns with THE HOUR I FIRST BELIEVED, a sprawling, emotionally rich novel about two married high-school teachers who work at Columbine High School during the deadly shooting of 1999."
"Lamb was a two-time Oprah Book Club author; his first two novels, SHE'S COME UNDONE and I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE, have sold over six million copies as a result of his earnest depiction of physical and mental suffering, and for his compelling tales of redemption in the face of tragedy."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
144 - Riding Lessons; Sara Gruen
I became a fan of Sara Gruen's after reading her wonderful novel, Water For Elephants, so I decided to try her first book Riding Lessons. This review is based on the audio version.
When Annemarie Zimmer was 18, she was a world class equestrian. One day during a competition, a tragic accident destroyed her riding career. Anne Marie was in a coma and her beloved horse Harry had to be put to death. Once she recovered she marries, has a bratty daughter, and eventually gets divorced. Now 20 years later she heads for her parents horse farm in New Hampshire when she learns that her father is dying. The story continues, and her life once again changes.
Here is what Publisher's Weekly says about the audio version of this book. I could not say it any better, and it is exactly how I feel about this audio book.
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. When the main character in a novel is as annoying as a boil, an audio performer must be thrilled at the chance to portray someone who isn't particularly nice or competent. Maggi-Meg Reed's Annemarie shouts, cries, whines, cajoles and lies her way through escalating crises. Reed is superb. She does an equally adept rendering of the other characters, including Annemarie's mother, with her thick Austrian accent and tight-lipped stoic voice. Eve, Annemarie's daughter, is a perfectly petulant teenager, speaking to her mother in a strident and querulous tone. A local policewoman has such a perfect New Hampshire accent that one wonders why the other locals don't. Despite the unsympathetic Annemarie, Reed's stellar performance makes Gruen's 2004 debut novel hard to turn off.
There were times when I was so sick on Anne Marie's whining, I wanted to end it all, but despite this, it was a sweet story so I had to continue. It is totally different than Water For Elephants, but none the less a good read.
Monday, September 15, 2008
143 - The Gentleman's Guide To Graceful Living; Michael Dahlie
The reader is introduced to Arthur Camden, fifty-something, who lives on the upper East side of Manhattan. Arthur is a devoted husband and father who loves fly fishing and belongs to an elite club for fly-fisherman. Suddenly, Arthur's life is full of bad breaks: his wife leaves him for another man, his business fails due to his own incompetence, he has trouble making a good impression on dates, and he even burns down the beloved fly-fishing lodge in the Catskills.
Despite all of Arthur's short comings he is very introspective; he just has trouble getting out of his own way. I found myself rooting for Arthur all the way. If you need a book that will make you chuckle, try this one.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
142 - Testimony; Anita Shreve
I have been an Anita Shreve fan for a long time, and have read all of her books. Yesterday I sat down with an ARC of Testimony, which is scheduled to be released on October 21st, and I was totally blown away. I was not able to go to bed without finishing it. The ARC was only 305 pages, written in short chapters with lots of white space left on the pages. I loved this book, and found it to be well written as well as a very quick read.
I am not going to give anything away other than to say that the book is about a Sex scandal at an elite prep school in Vermont. The book shows us how a single reckless moment can destroy the lives of so many people. One thing I really liked was that the characters were well developed and sympathetic (even the flawed ones).
This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
141 - Lethally Blond; Kate White
In this book Bailey Weggins, celebrity crime reporter of the BUZZ is back. Bailey gets a call from an old flame saying that his friend Tom is missing. Since Bailey has solved a few cases in the past, she agrees to help try to find him, and follows a few leads. Tom turns up dead and there is long list of suspects. Now Bailey begins her search for the murderer.
Since I do enjoy some "fluff" from time to time in a novel, this one fit the bill.
Friday, September 12, 2008
140 - The Heretic's Daughter; Kathleen Kent
In some ways I saw the book as a coming of age story, and at first glance the reader might not think so, but it is also the story of a mother's love for her daughter and that special bond. Sarah Carrier is a young girl growing up in Andover, Massachusetts, a town near Salem in the late 1600's; a time when superstition and religious prejudice ran rampant. Her parents and brothers worked hard as farmers. Sarah was responsible for caring for her baby sister. After an outbreak of smallpox in the home, Sarah and her baby sister are forced to go live with her aunt and uncle. When Sarah returns home things are not the same. Nearby young girls begin accusing others of witchcraft. Her mother and a few relatives are accused, jailed and tried.
Kent did an excellent job portraying 17th century New England. I will be hoping for a sequel from the talented new author.
RATING - 5/5 - Completed - 9/11/08
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
139 - Say Goodbye; Lisa Gardner
In this story there is a serial killer at work who has a thing for spiders, and for prostitutes who will let his spiders crawl all over them. The prostitutes later go missing and eventually turn up dead. There are a lot of twists and turns and about midway through everything falls into place.
I don't want to give away any details so I will just say I LOVED this book. BEWARE, is not for the faint of heart, there is plenty of torture, creepy crawlers, and terrifying mind games. There were parts when I wanted to shut the book closed for the night, but instead I found myself turning page after page to see how it ended.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
138 - Goodnight Bush; Origen and Golan
Without giving a way too much so I will just comment on a few illustrations: In place of the bunny rabbit character in the children's book, a childlike George Bush is tucked safely in bed surrounded by toys I'm assuming are suppose to represent different facets of the Bush administration. A tiny Osama Bin Laden peeks out from many of the pages, and a shotgun-toting Dick Cheney whispers, "Hush." There is no bunny snuggling into bed, but rather, Bush smiling and wearing a "Mission Accomplished" flight suit.
There are so many other clever illustrations that you will find yourself looking over and over again at each page. This book is obviously a short read about the arrogance of the ego maniacs who destroyed this great country.
Monday, September 8, 2008
137 - Through the Grinder; Cleo Coyle
Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle is the second Coffeehouse Mystery featuring Clare Cosi. I read the first book a few years back, and decided to try the rest for some quick easy reads. I like the fact that are some great coffee recipes are featured in these books.
In a nutshell, in book #2 we find The Village Blend has started offering a singles night with speed-dating, and one after another, women who frequent the blend are committing suicide soon after having a cup of the Blend's famous brews. What's up with that? We also see that Clare is terrified at the thought that her twenty year old daughter Joy is thinking about online dating. So she decides to try it for herself, and ends up finding someone perfect for her.
I guess I feel disappointed after reading this quick cozy mystery. It is not the author's fault, but I've just read several wonderful pieces of literature, so this book just seemed to be silly. I do plan on reading the rest of the series as I have them on my shelf. I promise to remind myself this is "just for fun".
136 - The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story; Diane Ackerman
Diane Ackerman tells the story of Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo prior to World War II. When the Germans bombed Warsaw, much of their zoo was destroyed, and many of their animals killed. Yet, Jan and his wife Antonina struggled against Nazi occupation, using their house and the Zoo grounds as temporary shelter for over three hundred Jews smuggled out of the Warsaw ghetto, while trying to keep their family (human and animal) and their sanity together throughout the ravages and hardships of war. Even while watching their beloved animals taken away, killed by soldiers for rifle practice, the Zabinskis never stopped helping those in need.
This sad book was a fascinating well researched account of WWII Warsaw. I loved how the author showed us the connection how humans, like animals, must adapt to survive. The book in parts was just far too detailed, and I would have preferred if it read more like a novel.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Day After Hanna
Today dawned bright and clear with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80's. Hanna lost her punch (fortunately) as she passed through New England. Today was a perfect beach day; the surfers were out in full force. We were among the local people taking full advantage, along with some weekend tourists. We have had almost 4 inches of rain in the first 6 days of September, so today's weather was such a treat.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
135 - Out Stealing Horses; Per Petterson
The book alternates between the present, 1999 and then flashes back to the summer of 1948, when he was a teenager. It is a story of loss, betrayal. While I loved this book, there were some unanswered questions when I turned the final page. Despite this, I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates fine literature.
RATING - 5/5 - Completed - 9/6/08
134 - Half Assed: A Weight Loss Memoir; Jeanette Fulda
I found out about this memoir by accident, and decided to give it a try. It was a great memoir: a story about the real pain experienced by a morbidly obese person (360++ lbs ) before she began her weight loss journey and lost half her body weight. This book is not a story of her self loathing or self pity. It is a straight forward memoir where Jeanette shares her emotions, her successes and some failures along the way. This book is not an instruction manual as to how she lost the weight, but rather it's a very witty book about a mindset and the stick-to- it attitude required for success. Enjoyable.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
133 - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; Shaffer and Barrows
At first glance I passed on reading this book until people began to rave about it. I think it was the title that made me think it might be silly; I'm glad I gave it a try. I loved the book but I do think it is the type of book that would not appeal to most men. I found this epistolary novel to be charming and sweet. It had me grabbing for the post it notes to jot down a passage or two along the way.
The novel unfolds in 1946 London. A writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next project after the war. Juliet lost her home and her possessions which included a cherished book collection. Out of the blue, she receives a letter from a resident of Guernsey, named Dawsey Adams. Dawsey tells her that he owns a book by Charles Lamb that once belonged to Juliet. Although she is intrigued by this, it is his comments about a roast pig bringing about the start of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that makes her want to learn more. Juliet begins to correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their love of literature, and the impact the war has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, an unforgettable island, and what she finds changes her forever.
I was touched by the charming inhabitants of this unforgettable island who turned to literature in terrible times. Animal lovers beware there are a few references in the book which really upset me. Despite this, I am still happy that I read this book.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
132 - Faces of Fear; John Saul
Alison's world changes when her mother marries plastic surgeon Conrad Dunn. She moves into a huge mansion in the Hollywood Hills, leaves her public school behind for a prestigious prep school, and makes new friends. Her new friends have all had cosmetic work done on them by Alison's stepfather and give her suggestions on what she should have done.
Although the thought of it creeps her out at first, she agrees to accept breast augmentation as a 16th birthday present. Soon after, Alison discovers a picture of her stepfather's first wife. To Alison's horror, she notices a resemblance between the image in the photo and the work her stepfather is doing on her. Though her mother refuses to acknowledge the strange similarity, Alison becomes increasingly frightened. Digging further into her stepfather's murky past, Alison uncovers dark secrets-and even darker motives-and realizes that her worst fears are fast becoming her reality. At the same time, murders are being committed around L.A. by the so-called Frankenstein Killer.
I actually gave up reading John Saul a few years back but decided to give him a try one more time. Although this was a quick read (not a lot of thought goes into reading Saul's novels), I was less than thrilled with this book. It was pretty boring and predictable.
Monday, September 1, 2008
131 - The Garden of Last Days; Andre Dubus III
The book takes place in Florida just days before 9/11. In this book of 500++ pages, or in my case (12) discs of approximately 60 minutes each, we hear the most detailed accounts of very boring minutia. If that isn't bad enough, there were too many characters and points of view.
We are introduced to April, a stripper (Stripper name Spring, but who cares) forced by circumstance to bring her 3-year-old daughter Franny to work one night. Little Franny is kidnapped from the back office of the strip club where she is was suppose to be watching Disney movies.
Who took her? For suspects we have A.J., a drunk and disorderly patron, Lonnie, the bouncer, Jean, April's lonely widowed landlord, and Bassam, a strange Middle Eastern guy with loads of cash. Throughout the chapters there are flashbacks of Bassam, a terrorist, his family and background; Bassam is drawn to April...AKA...Spring.
For me, once the Franny mystery is resolved, there was just no one to root for or care about.
RATING - 2/5 - Completed - 9/1/08


text:
Some Like It Hot
This story appears in the June 2001 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
Here at Entrepreneur, we're constantly on the lookout for the hottest new entrepreneurs. Seven years ago, we decided to formalize our search, launching our Annual Hot 100 listing.
With the help of Dun & Bradstreet, the world's leading provider of business information, we spotlight the nation's fastest-growing new entrepreneurial companies each and every year.
So what's new this year? What trends can be spotted in our 7th Annual Hot 100? Despite the much-vaunted dotcom shakeout, technology businesses finished stronger than ever before, with 36 of our 100 finalists in that category, and five of those are Web-based-more than in any previous year. In addition, one company in e-learning, an industry whose potential we've long touted, made the list for the first time.
If there's any doubt in your mind that homes-buying, selling and improving them-are hot, our list will eliminate it. Twenty-four of our Hot 100 companies are involved in construction or residential or commercial interiors. And, for the first time, two real estate companies made our list.
Where there's give, there's take, though. While technology and construction are soaring, fewer general manufacturing companies made our Hot list than in years past.
All told, our 100 finalists generated total sales of $935.4 million last year. How did they do it-and how does your business measure up? To find out, we provide a closer look at two of our finalists, along with a complete listing of all 100. Congratulations, all.
Perfect Memory
Furnished With Profits
Making The Cut
Hot 100
Perfect Memory
Winspec West Manufacturing Inc.
Marco Fuxa, Martin Hofer and Joachim Nemeth
Call it modesty or humility. The folks at Winspec West Manufacturing Inc., a computer memory manufacturer and international distributor of computer hardware-aka No. 1 in this year's Hot 100 race-aren't too big for their britches. How's that possible when a company that's only been around since 1999 expects 2001 sales of $40 million? Frankly, with only six full-time employees, there's little time for back-patting.
They established Winspec in laid-back Walnut, California, but co-
owners Marco Fuxa, 37, Martin Hofer, 34, and Joachim Nemeth, 31-former corporate co-workers in New York City-have retained a big-city work mentality. "Although it seems very Southern California, when we do something, it's never maybe or ma�FDana," says Hofer, who works out of the company's Walnut headquarters, while Fuxa and Nemeth oversee operations in New York City. "It's got to be done right away, and if not, then forget about it." That also means doing things right the first time. Of the 2,000 shipments distributed annually, 99.9 percent are shipped complaint-free. And because 40 to 45 percent of revenue is generated from buying or selling in international markets, the company requires that native speakers deal with those accounts to better serve them.
The owners credit their employees for getting Winspec to its present market position. And with Fuxa hailing from Italy and Hofer and Nemeth from Germany, implementing a benefits package European-style (99 percent paid medical and dental coverage, generous vacation days and no questions asked regarding days off) isn't a perk-it's standard. In hindsight, Hofer feels they could've hired more people sooner, but quality ruled over quantity. For instance, regarding their hiring of their first secretary, Hofer says, "We could've hired somebody to staple for $20,000 a year or hired somebody who has a higher potential. So [for a steeper salary] we hired somebody with an MBA in finance." Seeing as that secretary's now acting CFO, it paid off.
Thanks to careful customer screening, the troubled U.S. economy hasn't negatively affected Winspec. But the threat of a ripple effect hurting markets in Europe and the Far East, where the company does significant business, is worrying. Still, Hofer contends business must forge ahead. "The current market shouldn't be an excuse for sitting tight and not starting a company if you have the potential," he says. "Best case, you'll be [at the forefront] when the market bounces back. Worst case, you survive."
-By Michelle Prather
Furnished With Profits
Workplace Interiors LLC
Robert Blomstrom and Brooke Jones-Blomstrom
It's one thing to create a business's physical workspace, which Workplace Interiors LLC does very well. It's quite another to build the internal character of a business, and that's where it excels. Workplace Interiors, a full-service office furniture dealership founded by husband-and-wife team Robert Blomstrom and Brooke Jones-Blomstrom, has achieved the 11th spot on the 2001 Hot 100 listing with its fast growth and stunning success. Founded in 1999, Workplace Interiors has grown from first-year sales of $3.7 million to 2000 sales of $21 million, with 2001 projections hovering around the $35 million area.
To what do the Blomstroms attribute their success? Is it their ability to combine creative and technical thinking? It might be their uncommon office environment, where their 37 employees enjoy flextime, profit-sharing and lots of support. Or it may be the strong family atmosphere, with Robert's sister, Sally Blomstrom, joining her brother and sister-in-law in the running of the company. The real secret: "We have fabulous people," says Sally, 43. "Our organization is the people."
The company's devotion to human resources allows it to thrive in a fiercely competitive industry, according to Robert, 44. "Our industry is one where a 12- to 14-hour day is the rule, not the exception," he says. Having a bright, focused staff at Workplace Interiors means everybody works shorter hours while getting a lot more done-allowing them to enjoy more nonwork-related time.
The fact that the principals are related and so in sync with each other helps set the bar for efficiency. According to Brooke, 39, their roles are always changing depending on the situation-one zigs where the other zags.
That kind of flexibility is vital to Workplace Interiors. With a headquarters in Irvine, California, and branches in Los Angeles; Solana Beach, California; and Ventura, California, multitasking isn't the exception-it's the rule.
-By Nichole L. Torres
Making The Cut
This is how it all begins: Culling from its massive database, Dun & Bradstreet provides Entrepreneur with an initial list of fast-growing companies. Entrepreneur mails each company a form, which the entrepreneurs must complete and submit along with current financial statements. We then measure the company's sales growth from the date of inception, listing the businesses in growth order.
In order for a business to be considered, it must meet the following criteria:
- Founder is actively involved in daily operations and controls at least 51 percent of the business.
- Business was founded no earlier than 1998.
- Annual sales for 2000 exceeded $1 million.
- Company meets the SBA's definition of a small business, based on the company's number of employees and sales figures. These numbers will vary according to the particular industry.
To be considered for our Hot 100 list next year, your company must be registered with D&B with current information on file.
Dun & Bradstreet research is conducted by the Dun & Bradstreet Analytical Services Group; Entrepreneur research is conducted by Zoy Parkinson Smith and Marina Brown.
About Dun & Bradstreet
Dun & Bradstreet, the world's leading provider of business information, has been enabling B2B commerce for nearly 160 years. With its database of 62 million companies worldwide-12 million active businesses in the United States alone-D&B's information and technology solutions help businesses reduce credit risk, find profitable customers and manage vendors efficiently. Businesses also use D&B information and technology to authenticate and verify potential trading partners online.
Through telephone interviews as well as public record searches and trade reporting, more than 300 million financial transactions are added annually to D&B's files in the United States alone. D&B updates its information base continually-an average of 1 million times each business day.
When businesses are entered in the D&B database, they are issued D-U-N-S� numbers (similar to Social Security numbers for companies). The U.S. government requires companies to have this number to bid on government contracts. Also used by the United Nations and the European Union, D-U-N-S numbers are quickly becoming the universal standard for identifying businesses on the Web.
For information, call (800) 234-3867 or visit www.dnb.com . To register for a D-U-N-S number, call (800) 333-0505.
Contact Source
Winspec West Manufacturing Inc.
20160 Paseo Del Prado, Walnut, CA 91789, (909) 595-0601

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The domain name ozarkmotel.com is available for purchase or lease.
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This is a limited time offer. Once ozarkmotel.com is sold or leased it will no longer be available to the public for purchase or registration.
Please call 1-888-262-5571 or fill out the quotation request form below for an instant price quote.
A domain name can be thought of as a piece of Internet Real Estate. A domain name is what you type into your web browser when you want to visit a specific web site.
A good domain name should be memorable so that visitors can remember the name of your web site when they want to return. An example of a good domain name would be usedcars.com if you dealt in used cars or usc.com if you dealt in used sports cars.
A memorable domain name like ozarkmotel.com will make it easy for visitors to remember your web site and return with ease.
Single word and short acronym domain names play an important role in customer retention since they are sticky and easy to remember.
Mobile technologies are also making short memorable domain names very important since a customer only has to type a short memorable name to get to your web site.
Think about it, the more confusing characters a customer has to type on their tiny phone keyboard the higher the possibility of making a mistake and giving up in frustration.
Keep it simple and choose a short memorable domain name that customers can remember like ozarkmotel.com.


text: Event RCF TT+ on the stage of VASCO.08 Live In Concert After last summer's Italian tour, Vasco Rossi's the technical staff have again chosen the RCF TT+ products as part of the stage monitoring system for the 2008 series of concerts. Since its first introduction to the market, the RCF TT+ High definition Touring and Theatre line has been a great success on the major international markets and conquered the elite of professionals in Italy. Vasco Rossi's team has chosen RCF products for their new summer 2008 tour, after using them with great success during last year's tour. This renewed cooperation confirms the quality and reliability reached by RCF TT+ products, a complete range of speakers specifically designed for concerts and big events. For the "VASCO.08 Live In Concert" tour the RCF team has worked, together with stage manager Diego Spagnoli, monitor engineer Federico "Deddi" Servadei and FOH engineer Andrea Corsellini, to create he best solution in and offering the most clear and precise monitoring for the band in some of the most critic areas of the stage, as well as the 20 meters long venting bridges that spreads in to the crowd. This year the musicians now have more freedom to move around the stage and the monitoring has been designed to respond to their new needs. Products used: TT08-A + TTS12-A for the keyboards; TT25-SMA for the venting bridges. A special dvd regarding the backstage work for the Vasco Rossi tour of 2007 has been released in Italy with the cooperation of RCF. Watch the trailer Más información Installation Double Forum 9000 system in Vercelli A double RCF Forum 9000 conference system has been installed in the Prefecture and Civil Protection rooms of Vercelli (Italy). In order to allow a stronger cooperation between the two agencies, RCF designed and built a complete audio/video connection between the two rooms, which are located in different parts of the building. Thanks to this system it is possible to carry out simultaneous meetings when the necessity arrives. Prefecture Room: 1 x FMU9100 Master Unit; 15 x FMS9411 microphone set; 3 x FDC 9900 dome camera; 1 x FVM 9844 Audio/video switching matrix. Civil Protection room: 16 x FMS9411 microphone set; 1 x FMU9100 Master Unit; 2 x FDC 9900 dome camera; 1 x FVM 9844 Audio/video switching matrix. The conferencing operations are controlled by the FSW9010-C management software, the voting operations by the FSW9020-Vsoftware and the dome camera is controlled by the FSW9030-D software. All the operations can be digitally recorded trough the FSW 9040-R software. Más información Corporate RCF's training activity in Italy RCF's training activity in Italy dedicated to the design of Emergency Audio Systems in compliance with EN 60849 (CEI 100-55) law registered a great deal of success. I 2007 the attendance has been extremely high and the first months of 2008 confirmed the positive trend. An increasing interest in this kind of activities is also generated by the high level of knowledge provided by RCF's team. The training activity will go ahead until November 2008 and the next seminars will take place in Brescia on the 6th of May followed by Bari on the 27th of May. Más información Installation Pacha Club, Sharm el Sheikh Pacha, one of the first clubs in the Sharm el Sheikh area, following year on year growth have recently decided to upgrade the sound system. New Metro the RCF Pro distributor in Egypt suggested that the RCF TTL33-A line array modules and TTS28-A double 18' subwoofers would fit the purpose and late in 2007 the main FOH system was installed comprising of 12 x TTL33-A, 6 per side and then 4 x TTS28-A grouped together in the centre. RCF assisted with the commissioning and set-up of the system, which was handled by Greg Oliver (Product specialist in the RCF UK branch). Oliver commented: "having spoken to the owners and walked round the vast club area it was clear that although their line array would cover quite a large area of the club this would then infringe the operating noise restrictions that have been imposed on the club. The system was designed in 3 main zones to focus sound where it was needed and this was aided given the narrow vertical dispersion of the line array modules and also to allow the owners to have total control over the various zones". "We added small hangs of 3 x TTL33-A per side in the other 2 zones (1 being a large upper balcony and the other the pool and terrace area) and with 1 x TTS28-Aon the ground just to enhance the LF in that area", Oliver continues, " we then added some of the smaller 2 way RCF TT22-A's as fills to cover the VIP balconies behind the DJ area". The installation is now complete and the install company commissioned the final part themselves with all the settings for the other line array zones using the RCF Shaper prediction software. Más información Installation Seduction Discotheque - Phuket, Thailand Seduction club is situated at Phukets Patong District, famous for its lively and active night life. Seduction Discotheque sets new standard for nightclubs in the area with its extravagant and high-class interiors designed to every last detail. So, when Charlie Lighting, the installer for the club, was asked for a state of the art audio system the choice was simple: RCFAcustica. Thanks to 4 two-way, wide dispersion C5215-W loudspeakers and 2 S8028 compact, high-output bass reflex subwoofer, the sound at Seduction creates an atmosphere yet to be seen in this area. RCF Products are distributed in Thailand by Acoustic & Lighting. Más información Event TT+ amplify the inauguration ceremony of the new Boeing 747 fuselage On the 11th of February the new Boeing 747 fuselage was inaugurated in the Alenia plants in Composite di Grottaglie, Italy. Many people attended at the event in which spoke also Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the Italian Industrial Association's President . The sound system was installed by Mr. Graziano Radicci of the company Idea Concerti with the consulting of RCF for the acoustic design of the event. The huge plant, in fact, was filled with metallic structures that could damage, due to the massive reverberation of the sound, the intelligibility of the speeches. The RCF's Team went on the spot for a survey and developed, with special software, the acoustic design in order to choose the right speaker system and their its right set-up. The TT+ High Definition Touring and Theatre line of speakers, wich has been already used in various situations by Idea Concerti, was chosen for the event. The Sound System was composed by 2 clusters of 4 TTL33-A Line Array Modules each and 4 TT22-A speakers as a front fill. Mr. Graziano Radicci said: "the system worked perfectly, offering an uniform sound dispersion in all the vast area. RCF is a company that offers a constant support, allowing its clients to operate always in the best conditions." Más información Event RCF US Debut TT at Winter NAMM The TTL31A's very high output and dynamics, plus its extreme accuracy and high frequency extension, and compact size make the it an ideal tool for indoor applications, live performances and events. The TTL12AS complements the TTL31A array module, providing integrated mechanics compatible with the TTL31A array module. RCF also introduced their new ART models and 4 PRO Series. Alberto Ruozzi, Sales Director of RCF said "This years NAMM show has been very important in strengthening RCF's presence in the vast and complex markets of the United States. We benefited from our newly designed stand, being bigger, we were able to present a much wider range of products in comparison to the past years, representing all that RCF is today, a well known and respected brand, which has consolidated its position in the world's audio market, but that is still growing and adding new clients. This is I feel, thanks to our new products with high quality and innovative 'Made in Italy technology' branding" Más información Installation RCF sound system for the Santo Volto Church in Turin RCF designed and realized the complete audio system for the Santo Volto Church, a very important house of worship in Turin. RCF project team had to find the right solution in order to sonorize all the different spaces of the building. In fact the Church, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, is composed by a main hall with 700 seats, seven towers 35 meters high, a subterranean multi purpose room and the offices for the administration. The overall surface is 12000 square meters. Each ambience has it's own characteristic which required a specific acoustic design in order to obtain the maximum sound quality. The audio project was made by RCF's Massimiliano Piva for EL SRL Ing. Zorzi Renzo design studio. The installation was made by Kopa Engineering S.p.A.. C5112-L loudspeakers were used for the main nave of the Church, PL 81/A ceiling speakers were installed in the and, together with some Monitor 44T, were used for the other rooms. On the outside of the building C3110 have been installed. All the loudspeakers are powered with HC 3200, HC 2000 and 4000 Series power amplifiers: models UP 4161 and UP 4121. The choir zone has been amplified with Monitor 55 on the floor and C3110 installed on the ceiling. The loudspeakers are powered with an HC 2000 power amplifier. Also a MX 1822 mixing console has been installed in order to mix the sound of the microphones for the singers. More C3110 loudspeakers, powered with an HC1600, have been installed in the weekday chapel. The big subterranean multi-purpose room has been sonorized with C3108 loudspeakers powered by HC 3200 stereo power amplifiers. PL70BS ceiling speakers and DM 41 compact speakers have been installed for the offices of the administration and HD2414/T horn speakers have been used for the garden. All the loudspeakers are powered by a Flexa Modular Integrated System. All sound systems runs trough a series of control racks, all equipped with RCF's components and products. The amplification system of the Sacro Volto Church is an example of RCF ability to design and build the right solution for any sound needs. Más información Event The Valli Theatre in Reggio Emilia, Italy chooses the RCF TT+ for Kiev's Opera Ballet Thursday January the 17th the Kiev's Opera Ballet, one of the most important ballets worldwide, performed the "Sleeping Beauty" at the Valli Theatre in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Andrea Gabbi, Stage and Technical Director of Valli Theatre, with the cooperation of Luca Cattini and Fabio Festinese, chose the RCF's TT+ High Definition Touring and Theatre to amplify the music of the important show, which was composed by Cajkovskij in 1899. The system used for the show: 2 TT22-A high output 2 way speakers 2 TT25-Ahigh output 2 way speakers 2 TTS18-A subwoofers Andrea Gabbi said: "the RCF system used for the show of the Kiev's Opera Ballet was the perfect solution for our needs. It provided a precise and deep sound with superb quality and definition. The speakers were also very compact, which is a very important feature in theatres, in order to don't disturb the audience's vision of the show." All pictures were shot by the photographer Alfredo Anceschi Más información Installation Wyvern Theatre, Swindon (UK) Swindon Borough Council last year saw fit to give the Wyvern Theatre a £1.3 million refurbishment of its auditorium. Andrew Hill, director of the theatre, elaborates: "Initially we thought we would only be shut down for a short period of time so we tried to keep our programme of shows going. We built a temporary theatre in a local sports hall and relocated all our shows there. However, it soon became apparent that the shut down would go on longer than originally expected and relocating shows would become unsustainable. However, on the positive side, Swindon Borough Council agreed that it would be more expedient to upgrade much of our technical equipment and infrastructure, whilst the rest of the auditorium was being gutted". To that end, Swindon Borough Council contracted the services of a long-term supplier to the Wyvern, Stage Electrics. The company designed, installed and supplied the entire technical infrastructure and new equipment for the venue. Simon Kenning, business development manager for Stage Electrics, says: "The brief was to ensure that the scheme be as cost-effective as possible for the client, whilst improving and supporting the theatre's diverse and multifunctional role. Budget-wise this was a challenge. Whilst the overall budget for the refurbishment was £1.3 million, the lighting, sound, communications and cinema package only accounted for 25% of that." Stage Electrics worked in close association with architects Peter Case, Mark Rose and Steve Nicholls of Technical Services Group, and Swindon Commercial Services at Swindon Borough Council. As with much regional theatre, tight budgets and limited resources means the building has to be as flexible as possible in its offering: to that end, the Wyvern Theatre is not just a theatre. It's a cinema, a live music venue and a comedy club. Stage Electrics maximized this flexibility by specifying and installing Ethernet communications for both the sound and lighting networked systems. Further expanding the flexibility of the system, Stage Electrics specified an RCF PA system, which comprises a central cluster of four Acustica C5212L 500W mid/high cabinets, and left and right hangs of two Acustica C5212L 500W mid/high cabinets a side, each with an Acustica S8028 subwoofer below. There are also four Acustica C5212W 500W mid/high speakers for delay in the auditorium. Kenning says: "RCF produce a fantastic product in the Acustica series. The cabinets can easily cope with all formats of show, which The Wyvern has to manage on a weekly basis. The versatility of the cabinet ensures a crisp and clean sound, whatever the requirement and application." Kenning worked in close association with Greg Oliver at RCF UK to design the optimum audio solution, taking into account the wide range of audio demands of the theatre and the budget. Everything from spoken voice to live music, playback to musicals - each has different demands and in isolation each will use a different kind of PA system set up in a particular way. All paging FOH and back stage is run from an RCF system, control of which is integrated in the stage manager's desk (manufactured by Stage Electrics) and various other sites around the building. Kenning says: "RCF is one of only a few loudspeaker manufacturers worldwide which completely manufactures transducers, speaker systems and amplification and control electronics. There is a lot of black box product around these days; sadly most of them are still bits-in-a-box packages containing off-the-shelf drivers in a ply box. RCF's Acustica product range is designed and built by RCF, from the drivers to the rigging options, to be part of a complete installation solution." Greg Oliver, technical sales consultant for RCF elaborates: "Simon contacted me with a brief for a multiple-use sound system, which covered panto to touring bands and everything in between. After the initial site visit it was clear that we needed a fairly compact. The Acustica series was chosen as it allows for easy installation but also can achieve the SPL levels required for the venue's multifarious uses. Once Stage Electrics had installed them, I spent a day with Simon at the theatre testing the system and setting up the delays, and with very little room equalisation necessary, the system was ready for use." © Lighting&Sound International / PLASA Media Ltd 2007 Speakers 8 x Acustica C5212L 4 x Acustica C5215-W 2 x Acustica S8028 Subwoofer Amplifiers 5 x HC2000 4 x HC3200 Processor 1 x DX4008 The show relay system comprises: 2 x PR4092 1U rack mount mixers 1 x PD1066 Zone switcher with 5 x BM3067 microphones. 1 x SA2095 Rack control unit 1 x Flexa modular amplifier system made up of 1 x MF6000 Frame, 1 x PS6640 PSU, 3 x UP6241 Amplifier. 1 x MS1033 Single CD-Tuner and USB MP3 player. Configured to allow show relay feeds to dressing rooms, BGM to foyer, and 2 zone paging to front of house and dressing rooms. PL81A's in the foyer area Más información Página 49 de 51 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 — 10 Items per Page Mostrando el intervalo 481 - 490 de 509 resultados. ← Primero Anterior Siguiente Último →


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Tarmacadams Surfacing LTD specialises in Surface Dressing, also known as Tar & Chipping.
The road to be surfaced to be dressed has to be prepared, so things like pot holes, cracks and road edge breakup have to be repaired. We also have to protect any drains or inspection covers that maybe in the existing road.
Why use Tar & Chip for Houghton-le-Spring road surfaces?
Using tar and chip is a great way to do up, or redo a road surface. It has a much more natural look than asphalt which can integrate better into more natural surroundings.
Tarmacadams Surfacing LTD can use this method for small jobs (such as small driveways and paths) or as more often is the case tar and chip is used for large scale use (private roads, farm tracks and road surfacing). We also provide a variety of different colours and sizes of the stone chips to give you the overall look you require.


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To Pay or Not to Pay? Study Gauges Attitudes on College Athletics
Dr. Alex Piquero
UT Dallas social scientists recently completed a study aimed at gauging public opinions about financial compensation for collegiate athletes, or "pay-to-play."
The team, which included UT Dallas researchers Drs. Alex Piquero and Nicole Leeper Piquero, published their findings in a recent issue of the journal Sport in Society.
They discovered the biggest demographic difference of public perception was among African-Americans, who were more than two times as likely to support payment to student athletes.
"We recruited national samples of respondents to assess their attitudes related to support of payment to student athletes," said Dr. Alex Piquero, Ashbel Professor of Criminology at UT Dallas and one of the study's authors. "As key consumers and supporters of collegiate sports, the public's views are important to the long-term health of college sports."
Piquero added that measuring public perception about this issue could prove useful among policy makers when considering modifications or changes to the system.
The team interviewed more than 420 households chosen randomly throughout the country. Respondents were asked whether they thought college athletes should be financially compensated. The study took into account a number of independent variables linked to a variety of social issues, including public perceptions associated with college and professional sports.
Dr. Nicole Leeper Piquero
Demographic characteristics included gender, marital status and level of education. About two-thirds of respondents said they did not support paying college athletes.
"These surveys aren't meant to suggest a specific course of action. Rather they are tools that can be used to help better inform interested parties about the public's views and concerns over key issues," said Dr. Nicole Leeper Piquero. "This kind of measure of the public's pulse on the pay-for-play issue is useful for thinking about how best to deal with the financial aspects of college sports and to provide information for considering any residual effects this change may have on all aspects of education."
The research team also pointed out that the study illuminates key differences in perception between various groups and added that follow-up studies with wider samples would shed further light on the issue.
"Future studies will include more designations, particularly gender, among respondents," Alex Piquero said.
Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].


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Ever thought of what it would be like to date an alien lady? Few of us can picture how
We've all been on good dates, you know the one where you talk and have a quick kiss. We've
Dating, like playing chess, can be complicated. You want to be sure you are dating the right person, but
One way a man can maintain and grow his relationship with his girlfriend is by impressing her friends. In
There are men who prefer dating one woman while others will want to have two. But it is not
A polite society operates on ground rules that are passed down throughout history. It makes no difference if you
The year goes by quickly. Sport hunters and lifestyle hunters alike are going to be surprised that hunting season
Growing up, teachers and educational programs practically sermonized the tired old line of 'you shouldn't judge a book by
Many at times we find ourselves in different social situations that require us to behave in a certain way.
When entering a room whether it is for an interview, a presentation, or any other purpose you expect all
Most of us travel in the summer time for our R&R, but that can sometimes have its drawbacks. Too
Tattoos were a privilege that were earlier on exclusive to gang members or social outcasts who wanted to voice
The language of love is universal. Since the dawn of time every culture on earth has had its own
One of my favorite simple and delicious recipes! Everyone loves pizza, why not have it for breakfast? Perfect for
So many men think that looks are all physical. Sure, ripped guys with serious abs, muscles, and height are
One of the hardest things for anyone to do these days is stay fit. That's because there are so
Weightlifting garners a poor rep in certain circles which liken it to neanderthalic contests of manliness. Effort and devotion
The art of meditating has persisted in varying forms since ancient times. Its disputed origins lay in India within
Epic stories of your favorite athletes—going ham from dawn 'til dusk— never fail to get the blood boiling. You
Ever found yourself stuck in endless loops of hazy night owl tomfoolery? Perhaps work doesn't start till mid-afternoon, so
Money mistakes... It's the thing that most often stops us from obtaining financial security. Most people have no problem
Practical Reasons One Should or Should Not Go Back To School.
If you are thinking about going back to school
It's not uncommon for people to have palpitations when they pass their dream car on the highway. From the
Buying a vehicle, financing a home, and getting the first credit card approved are all common events that happens
Maybe you already know you're in a dead-end job, but don't necessarily want to admit it out loud. After
Do you remember those first staggering moments of lucidity? The instant when you glimpsed the potential held in becoming a
At times a man may be leading a good life. Other times, life throws a curveball. For those fresh from


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A national coalition of U.S. business groups is urging an end to a strike at the twin California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach amid fears that a prolonged stand-off will cost the American economy many billions of dollars, and could even spread to the east coast.
Trade groups led by the National Retail Federation have sent letters to U.S. President Barack Obama and leading members of Congress asking them to intervene and help end the strike at America's two busiest container harbor facilities. Those industry groups say the strike, which entered its sixth day on Sunday, is already costing $1 billion a day.
The labor dispute has been triggered by 500 clerical workers at the ports, members of the relatively small Office of Clerical Union Workers. Their industrial action and clout has been significantly strengthened because some 10,000 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have supported them, refusing to cross the clerical workers' picket lines.
Their action has effectively shut down 10 of the two ports' combined 14 container terminals. Four other container terminals have remained opened, along with facilities for handling break-bulk cargo such as raw steel and tanker traffic.
Industry groups say they have fresh memories of a 10-day lockout at West Coast ports in 2002. They estimate that dispute cost the U.S. economy $1 billion a day and that it took six months before the supply chains fully recovered. Groups are also warily monitoring an ongoing labor dispute between the International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance which could affect ports from Maine to Texas.
The employment contract between the two groups expired at the end of September without a new agreement. The contract was temporarily extended for 90 days, until the end of this year. A federal mediator has stepped in to oversee negotiations to try an avert a strike that would hit at least 14 ports along the East and Gulf coasts.
"Our members are very nervous and very upset about the impact of the (Los Angeles) strike on their businesses," said Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation. "We have had a lot of feedback. They have very fresh memories of what happened in 2002 and what is happening on the east coast."
Gold said his organization has been working with groups including the American Apparel and Footwear Association, the Retail Industry Leaders Industry Association and the Harbor Truckers Association to pressure lawmakers in Washington to end the stand-off.
The NRF sent a letter to Obama last week asking him to intervene. Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein, California's two Democratic senators, have also urged both sides to resolve the dispute. Negotiations ran late into Saturday and continued Sunday.
The clerks had been without a contract for more than two years when labor talks with management broke off on Monday. The chief stumbling block has been the future of union representation for jobs that are lost through retirement.
ILWU leaders are demanding that jobs traditionally performed by their members remain classified as union work and subject to the union's contract terms, even after individuals holding those jobs retire. They accuse the management of seeking to outsource union clerical jobs to overseas workers paid far less in wages and benefits.
The Port of Los Angeles, the nation's busiest container harbor facility, and second-ranked Long Beach together handled more than $400 billion in goods arriving or leaving the West Coast by ship, L.A. port spokesman Philip Sanfield said.
This article is by Tim Reid and Steve Gorman of Reuters.


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Putting it off: Too much, too little-- it's the same
There are two ways to not get something done: Doing a lot and doing nothing. The trick to getting your list of tasks done is to understand your method of not doing them.
Everyone I know has something they really need to do but just can't make it happen. I'm not talking about big life issues, like "Find a new career," and I'm not talking about moments of frivolity, like "Relocate to a swing state." I'm talking about the stuff like "Send resume to new friend of friend." Or "Write weekly report in the new format boss requested."
Even these seemingly manageable tasks are, in fact, opportunities for procrastination. This is the kind of procrastination that bothers me most.
Huge projects are understandably hard to start because maybe you can't tell what needs to be done. And life-changing goals are understandably intimidating to work on, because maybe they won't work. But tasks that take less than a few hours are the ones we should all be able to perform with little fanfare.
Doing nothing is my procrastination mode of choice. I'm great at breaking down large projects into manageable tasks. And I'm great at prioritizing. I even have a knack for carving out time in the day for my tasks. But then I fall apart. Some days, I just can't get myself to do the tasks. I find myself flailing– doing the easy items on my list even though they're not important, or, worse, reading and rereading minor sections of the newspaper. The "Furniture for Sale" ads look fascinating when they lie on top of my to-do list.
Doing a lot is harder to recognize as procrastination because people who do a lot trick themselves into thinking they're actually working on their task. Procrastinating by doing a lot means that you're busy doing things that don't matter. People who do a lot as a way to procrastinate are usually researchers and investigators.
For example, instead of writing an outline for a speech about the price of tea in China, you surf the Internet looking for a joke you read somewhere that you'd like to use for your opening. But the joke is not really part of the task. The task is the speech, and the joke is something you could add if you want to, at the end, when the presentation is done.
Okay. So look at the top of your to-do list, which you're probably not working on now as you read this column. (Although bless all of you who have put "Read Penelope's column" at the top of your list!)
Hopefully, because you understand the process of breaking down large projects into manageable tasks, the top item is a manageable task. And now you can figure out if you're not finishing it because you're doing too much or too little.
The reason that doing a lot and doing nothing are so similar is that they're both ways of coping with the fear that you'll do a bad job. But here's something you should be even more scared of: the stress of not being able to accomplish tasks you set out for yourself.
Procrastinating always feels bad, and the relief of finishing something always feels great. So recognize whether you're a person who needs to stop or start, and entice yourself into action by remembering the joy of getting a difficult item off your list.


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Suunto has just added to its range of GPS watches with the new X10, but this gizmo doesn't just do navigation and time-telling. It's also got an altimeter function, barometer, digital compass and thermometer: Exactly the sort of equipment any self-respecting real tomb raider would find darn useful.
Even better, the X10 has an improved GPS reception for tracking in difficult locations, like under heavy foliage in the rainforest. It's also got a track-back function so you can retrace your steps if you're lost, and 33% more battery life than the previous X9i generation. It also live-records routes and waypoints, so you can pinpoint on your PC later where that ancient undiscovered ruined temple really was, and it charges/connects over USB.
Available in two colours in September, though there's no info on price. [Navigadget]


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While I'm sometimes compensated to provide my opinion and review about certain products and services, I'm always honest and upfront about my opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on the topics I write about.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely mine.
I do not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advertisements on this blog.
Neither can I vouch for the quality of the products, information, or other materials offered in connection with any of these advertisements.
Be sure you do your own due diligence and verify any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service with the manufacturer, provider or party in question before responding to any offer.
Thank you.


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PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is on its way. The lineup has been clarified at E3/PAX. The big question here is, why hasn't Sega come out with a fighting game like Super Smash Brothers? They have plenty of great characters outside of the Sonic Franchise to choose from, characters from Shenmue, Madworld, Streets of Rage, NiGHTS, Phantasy Star, and the list goes on and on.
While a Super SEGA Bros Brawl would be neat, SEGA needs to get their act together on core franchises such as Sonic, Shenmue, NiGHTS, and Phantasy Star (though to be fair, PS, Yakuza, and Virtua Fighter have all been good lately).
Actually they could just team with Nintendo for a smash bros game sense they are so similar, and the target audience for smash bros has already proved that they love sonic and sega, because most of them were 80's babies or early 90's babies, which is the era ruled by Nintendo and SEGA
I don't think that would be a great idea. I think we've all been pretty happy with Smash Brothers, now we have all these people calling for other Smash Brothers types of games. It could end up diluting the market, especially if a bad Smash Bro's type of game were to be released, it might have a negative impact on the good Smash Bro's games.
SSMB? What is the "M" for?
Anyway, i think SEGA should make one for sure. They have such great characters and i would really enjoy the game if done right.
Another option would be Nintendo partnering with SEGA and making the next Smash bros have all Nintendo and SEGA characters.
While that would be cool, i dont want 2D Crossover Brawlers to become over done. The fact we have gotten only 5 in 13 years makes them unique and special. I dont want these to become Call of Duty in terms of release.


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- Limited Mobility?
- Do you have difficulty reaching overhead?
- Is combing your hair or removing your wallet hard to do and painful?
The Problem – Loss of Shoulder Mobility
Like you, Scott Kay had a problem…shoulder pain. But the thing that concerned him even more was his lack of shoulder flexibility and shoulder mobility. You see, Scott is a motorcycle racer and it's pretty important for him to have strong, flexible shoulders to steer his motorcycle around a flat, dirt oval at high speeds.
There was a time-line…racing season would be here soon and Scott was in physical therapy. Scott had shoulder surgery several months earlier to repair his mangled shoulder … now, as the new season quickly approached, he knew he wasn't ready. Scott began to ask his physical therapists questions about his progress … but their answer was always the same, "you're doing fine".
Scott asked his physical therapists for help. He wanted a shoulder rehabilitation tool he could use at home to supplement his physical therapy. They told him to use his pulleys and light dumbbells. He was already doing all that, but he just couldn't reach back to get his wallet or perform a throwing motion.
"That's your internal and external rotation" the physical therapist said. BUT they went on to say there are no tools you can buy to stretch internal and external rotation.
The Solution – a Rotator Cuff Rehab Tool that Puts YOU Control
Later that day, in the shop behind his house, Scott created his Rotater prototype. He wanted something that would duplicate the sensations he felt when his physical therapists performed internal and external rotation stretches during his shoulder therapy sessions.
The original Rotater prototype wasn't pretty…but it worked. Within a couple of weeks, Scott's physical therapist commented on how much progress Scott had made in such a short time. So Scott told them about his Rotater device and how he'd been using it at home – in between his scheduled physical therapy sessions. They wanted to see it, so Scott showed the Rotater to them as well as how he'd been using it.
"You need to get a patent!!!". Scott's physical therapist was so excited that he even set up an appointment with an attorney.
The Rotater is Patented as a Therapeutic Shoulder Apparatus
In May, 2010, Scott Kay was awarded Patent #7717834 for his remarkable shoulder tool. The Rotater:
- duplicates the internal and external stretches performed by a physical therapists or athletic trainer
- works in multiple planes
- puts YOU in control of the stretch
- provides instant feedback – you can feel the stretch immediately
- is portable and easy to use – instructions and dvd are provided to walk you through all the shoulder mobility exercises
- is very affordable – much less than the cost of one physical therapy visit – $59.97
- can strengthen your rotator cuff muscles when combined with our Strong Arm attachment
- can be purchased here on our website or from one of our distributors
What Do Rotater Users Say About the Rotater?
"…After doing the stretching exercises the very first day, I noticed that my shoulder really felt better. I was shocked. You see, I was pretty skeptical that this "contraption" would really be able to help me…" read the rest
Pete Genot
"I have coached for 42 years and had to have a labral repair in my shoulder. After trying therapy, I still had very little range of motion. I bought the Rotater online, and after about a week, my range of motion increased significantly. I have told my doctor, athletic trainers, etc. about the Rotater and recommend it without reservation."
John R. Wilson
Piedmont, AL.
Increasing the External Rotation of Your Shoulder
"I found The Rotater to be a great tool and have even loaned mine out to friends who were having shoulder inhibition and pain. I highly recommend that you add this fantastic tool to your arsenal and keep your shoulder joints mobile, strong and healthy for life." – read more
Doug Fioranelli
Rise Above Performance Training
"…I have been using the Rotater with good results for a variety of my clients. From an my All American triathlete who is recovering from shoulder surgery to a 70 year old tennis player, to a bodybuilding client…" – read the rest of Paul Frediani's testinomial
Paul Frediani
Increasing the Internal Rotation of Your Shoulder
.."The Rotater is remarkable in that it enables external and internal stretching that could otherwise only by performed by a physical therapist. The Rotater significantly shortened my rehabilitation and I doubt physical therapy alone would have been sufficient. Needless to say the Rotater will continue to be part of my maintenance program." – read more
Don Elswick – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
"…over the years I've been asked to evaluate many products and devices. Many have been 'ok' and a few have been great. I have to categorize the Rotater as awesome, plain and simple… And here's why…" read Joey's complete Rotater testimonial
Joey Atlas
Strengthening Your Rotator Cuff – External Rotators
"…I stumbled across your website and proceeded to make my own version of the Rotater. Having only one good arm, it didn't come out so good. I ordered your product and in the past 4 months I have surpassed my therapist expectations. He "released" me on Dec. 30, 09…" – read more
Dave Hurlbut
Bristol, CT.
"…I started using the Rotater about 6 weeks ago and can't believe how it has improved my range of motion in my shoulders…" read more
Chris Hastings – Hoover, Alabama
Strengthening Your Rotator Cuff – Internal Rotators
If You're Not Happy, We're Not Happy…So the Rotater is GUARANTEED 100%
The Rotater works…plain and simple. AND we guarantee you'll be happy with the results or we'll refund your money…NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Take control of your life and BUY your Rotater today for the low cost of $59.97 … your shoulder will thank you.